Red blood cells are a vital component of the blood, responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to all of the body’s tissues and structures.1 Anemia can occur when your body either doesn’t produce enough red blood cells, destroys them, or loses them through blood loss (faster than they can be replenished). If you’re receiving adequate levels … Read more
This might be the best news you have heard in some time: drinking coffee isn’t dangerous to your liver. In fact, there is some evidence that coffee actually is good for your liver, and drinking it could even reverse liver damage, but first, what is liver disease, and what exactly is the correlation between the liver … Read more
Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, the substance contained in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to all of our organs. Yet, according to the World Health Organization, up to 80% of the world’s population is iron deficient. There are a host of reasons why one might be iron deficient, including … Read more
There could be many reasons you should consult a gastroenterologist, or a digestion doctor, if you are experiencing abnormal symptoms. While many may associate a gastroenterologist with being just a stomach doctor, keep in mind that these specialists help treat conditions for many different areas of your body. Symptoms affecting anywhere from your esophagus all the way … Read more
Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped, sac-like organ in your abdomen under your liver. Its main purpose is to store bile from the liver and deliver it to the small intestine, helping to properly digest fats that have been consumed. Bile contains acids which are critical for the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. When you eat … Read more
Fatty liver disease is an accumulation of fat cells in the liver that is not caused by alcohol consumption. It is commonly called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to distinguish it from the diseases where alcohol plays a part. If more than 10 percent of total cells in the liver are fat cells, it is called … Read more
Have you been scheduled for a colonoscopy? Preparing for the procedure is going to be a process in itself, so pay close attention to what you need to do and get ready for the big day. While this may seem like a time-consuming procedure, keep in mind that while inconvenient, a colonoscopy is vital for your continued good … Read more
The gastrointestinal (GI) system goes all the way from the mouth to the anus, and for medical evaluation and treatment purposes it’s divided into two main sections: the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. There are various ailments that can afflict the upper and/or lower GI tract. Let’s discuss everything you need to know about the upper and … Read more
If you notice blood in your stool, it may have originated from anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, most often in the colon, rectum, or anus. The color of the blood may indicate the possible origin of the bleeding. Lesions close to the anus leak bright blood. The upper parts of the large intestine cause dark red or maroon blood. Bleeding from … Read more
If you suspect that you might be anemic, you might wonder what symptoms and signs to look for. Because anemia involves your blood, it can affect many different aspects of your health. Causes of anemia Among its other functions, your blood carries oxygen to all parts of your body and your brain. The red blood … Read more