HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Abdominal & Urinary

Constipation

Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

Constipation is having trouble passing stool or having hard stools. “Regularity” does not mean that you have a bowel movement every day. Normal bowel habits range from 3 movements a day to 3 each week. What is more important is what is normal for you.

Signs & Symptoms

* A hard time passing stool. Not being able to pass stool. Having very hard stool.

* Straining to have a bowel movement.

* Abdominal swelling. The feeling of continued fullness after passing stool.

Causes

* Drinking too few fluids. Not eating enough dietary fiber.

* Not being active enough.

* Not going to the bathroom when you have the urge to pass stool.

* Misuse of laxatives.

* A side effect of some heart, pain, and antidepressant medicines, as well as, antacids, antihistamines, and water pills.

* Chronic illnesses that slow the digestive tract. Examples are diabetes and an underactive thyroid.

* Cancer or other diseases of the bowel.

Treatment

Self-care usually treats constipation. You may also need to talk to your doctor about health problems and medicines that could cause the problem.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Eat foods high in dietary fiber. Examples are bran, whole-grain breads and cereals, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

* Drink at least 1-1/2 to 2 quarts fluids every day. Have hot water, tea, etc. to stimulate the bowel.

* Get enough exercise.

* Don’t resist the urge to pass stool.

* If you take antacids or iron supplements and get constipated easily, discuss the use of these with your doctor.

* Take stool softeners (e.g., Colace), fiber supplements (e.g., Metamucil), “stimulant” laxatives (e.g., Ex-Lax), or enemas, as directed on the label and by your doctor.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
4 Reasons To Get Your Colonoscopy

MEDICAL NEWS

If you’re age 50 or older, your doctor may have recommended you get a colonoscopy. This test, which uses a thin, lighted tube to view inside the colon and rectum, checks for:

* Polyps, which are growths or bumps that could turn into cancer

* Colorectal cancer (cancer in the colon and/or rectum)

A colonoscopy gives the doctor a chance to remove polyps and possible cancerous growths during the test.

Even though a colonoscopy is a safe and effective way to help prevent colorectal cancer or find it early, many people put off getting one. This is often because they are nervous about the test or they don’t want to do the “prep.” Preparing for a colonoscopy usually means you take medicines that cause diarrhea the day before the test. This can be inconvenient, but it’s worth the hassle.

Here are 4 good reasons you should call your doctor about scheduling it today:

1.Early colon cancer has no symptoms.Many people have polyps or even colon cancer for months or years and don’t know it. A colonoscopy can find these things early and increase the chances of a good outcome. The earlier colon cancer is found, the higher the likliehood of successful treatment.

2.One day of prep could save your life.No one likes to have diarrhea. But, one day of prep means you’re getting a test that checks for a common and sometimes deadly cancer. In fact, the American Cancer Society says more than 50,000 Americans will die from colorectal cancer in 2018. It is the third most common cancer in the U.S.

3.There are ways to make the prep easier.Ask your doctor about adding certain flavorings to your medicine to make it taste better. Also, there are many clear liquids other than water you may be able to drink. Sports drinks, tea, coffee, popsicles and some broths may be allowed. Usually, red, blue and purple dyes need to be avoided, but other flavors are fine.

4.Can’t put a price on peace of mind.With so many people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, isn’t it worth a day of discomfort to know that you’ve been screened? Even if a polyp or possible sign of cancer is found, you can get on the path to treatment that could be life-saving.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, American Cancer Society

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Diarrhea

Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

Diarrhea occurs when body wastes are discharged from the bowel more often and in a more liquid state than usual.

Signs & Symptoms

* Frequent watery, loose stools.

* Cramping or pain in the abdomen.

Causes

Common causes are infections that affect the digestive system, food allergies, overuse of laxatives or alcohol, and taking some antibiotics. Diarrhea is also a symptom of lactose intolerance, diverticulitis, food poisoning, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Treatment

Self-care usually treats diarrhea. The goal is to replace lost fluids and minerals to prevent dehydration.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* If vomiting is also present, treat for vomiting first.

* To prevent dehydration:

– Drink plenty of water and other fluids, such as sports drinks, broths, and Kool-Aid (which usually has less sugar than soda).

– Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

– Avoid having high “simple” sugar drinks, like apple juice, grape juice, and sodas. These can make the diarrhea persist. Or, dilute juices and sodas with water.

If you have signs of dehydration seek medical care. Until you get care, drink fluids:

* Broths and sports drinks.

* For children less than 2 years old, give over- the-counter mixtures, such as Pedialyte as advised by their doctors.

* If you breast-feed, give only as much milk as your baby wants. Feed every 2 hours.

* Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

* Choose foods that don’t upset your stomach.

* Do not have foods that are greasy, high in fiber, or very sweet.

* Avoid milk, but try yogurt that has live cultures of lactobacillus acidophilus (unless you are lactose intolerant).

* Follow a light diet. Eat foods that are easy to digest, such as:

– Bananas.

– Plain rice.

– Boiled potatoes.

– Toast.

– Crackers.

– Cooked carrots.

– Baked chicken without the skin or fat.

– Soups with vegetables and noodles or rice.

* Don’t exercise too hard.

* Adults can try an over-the-counter medicine, such as Imodium A-D or Pepto-Bismol. Follow the directions on the label. {Note: Stools can become black after taking Pepto- Bismol. Also, do not give aspirin or any medication that has salicylates, such as Pepto- Bismol, to anyone under 19 years of age, due to the link to Reye’s syndrome.}

* Wash your hands after you go to the toilet and before you prepare food. Use paper towels to dry your hands. Throw the towels away.

Resources

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)www2.niddk.nih.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Calming An Irritable Bowel

SELF-CARE CORNER

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the digestive system. Experts believe that IBS happens when there is a problem with how the brain and the gut work together. IBS can have bothersome symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea and constipation. But, IBS does not damage the digestive tract like the effects of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

Millions of people in the U.S. have IBS. And some people have severe symptoms that require medication or other medical care. IBS should be diagnosed by a doctor to ensure your symptoms are not caused by other diseases.

Fortunately, mild to moderate symptoms of IBS can often be improved with some self-care and lifestyle changes.

Foods to skip

Some foods are known to cause more cramping and diarrhea. People with IBS may wish to avoid these foods, which include:

* Fried foods or high-fat meals

* Artificial sweeteners

* Caffeine, such as coffee or tea

* Alcohol

You should also avoid eating large meals.

Keep a food diary

It may be a good idea to keep a food diary to identify other problem foods and eating habits, especially during flare-ups.

Feel fiber-fabulous

Fiber is one of the most effective ways to help calm an irritable bowel. Fiber can improve constipation because it softens stool and makes it easier to pass. And, it may help “bulk up” stool to reduce diarrhea.

The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans says that adults should be eating 22 to 34 grams of fiber per day. Soluble fiber may be the best choice for those with IBS.

Good sources of soluble fiber include:

* Oats

* Nuts

* Lentils

* Beans

* Fruits & Vegetables

If you’re not used to eating fiber, don’t eat too much at first. This could lead to gas, bloating, and more IBS symptoms. Gradually increase the amount of fiber you eat by 2 to 3 grams per day until you’re eating the recommended amount. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to absorb the extra fiber.

Get better sleep

Sleep helps the body restore itself, and poor sleep may aggravate IBS symptoms. Help your body rest by practicing good sleep hygiene. You can do this by:

* Shutting off computers, smart phones and other screens two hours before bedtime

* Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day

* Avoiding alcohol and heavy meals in the evening

* Not smoking

* Getting regular exercise (even light exercise can help you sleep better)

* Avoiding naps if you have trouble sleeping at night

Get help from your doctor

If these self-care steps don’t help, it may be time to talk to your doctor about other solutions. Some people find success by avoiding gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, oats and many other foods.

A low-FODMAP diet may also be helpful. FODMAPS are carbohydrates that can be harder for the intestines to digest. Avoiding these foods helps some people with IBS. Ask your doctor before you begin any diet that eliminates certain foods.

Sources: International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Sleep Foundation

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis

Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

Diverticulosis in Colon

Sometimes small pouches bulge outward through weak spots in the colon. This is called diverticulosis. The pockets (called diverticula) can fill with intestinal waste. With diverticulitis, these pockets and areas around them get inflamed or infected.

Signs & Symptoms

For Diverticulosis

Often this has no symptoms. Some persons may have:

* Mild cramps.

* Bloating

* Constipation.

* Blood in the stool.

For Diverticulitis

* Severe cramping and bloating in the abdomen, usually on the lower left side. The pain is made worse with a bowel movement.

* Tenderness over the abdomen.

* Nausea.

* Fever.

Causes

A low fiber diet is thought to be the main cause. Constipation and overuse of laxatives may also play a role.

Treatment

Diverticulitis needs medical treatment. Diverticulosis can’t be cured, but self-care measures can reduce symptoms and prevent serious problems.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Get regular exercise. Drink 1-1/2 to 2 quarts of water daily. Eat a diet high in fiber, but avoid foods that bother you (e.g., corn, nuts, etc.).

* Avoid the regular use of “stimulant” laxatives, such as Ex-Lax. Ask your doctor about taking bulk-forming laxatives like Metamucil.

* Try not to strain when you have bowel movements.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Do You Have Celiac Disease?

SELF-CARE CORNER

If you can’t eat bread or anything containing wheat, rye, and barley because of gluten-a protein found in these grains-you may have celiac disease. Different people have different symptoms, but talk with your doctor if you or your child has one or more of these problems after eating bread or cookies, for example:

* Gas

* Bloating, belly pain

* Ongoing diarrhea

* Pale, foul-smelling or fatty stool

* Weight loss or weight gain

* Fatigue

* Bone or joint pain

* Bone loss or weakening

* Anemia (lower red blood cell count)

* Behavior changes (children become irritable)

* Tingling, numbness in the legs

* Muscle cramps

* Seizures

* Itchy skin rash

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Flatulence (Gas)

Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

Flatulence is passing gas through the anus. For the average adult, this happens about 6 to 20 times a day.

Signs & Symptoms

* Pressure or discomfort in the lower abdomen or anal area.

* Passing gas. A foul odor occurs sometimes.

Causes

Gas is caused by swallowing air and digesting foods. Eating high fiber foods like beans, peas, and whole-grains create more gas than other foods. Dairy foods can create large amounts of gas in some people.

Gas may signal other problems, too. These include lactose intolerance, taking certain antibiotics, and abnormal muscle movement in the colon.

Gas can also be a symptom of celiac disease. With this, the lining of the small intestine is damaged from eating gluten. This is a protein in wheat, barley, and rye. Other symptoms of celiac disease are pain and bloating in the abdomen; diarrhea; weight loss; anemia; and a certain skin rash. Treatment is a gluten-free diet. Find out about celiac disease fromwww.celiac.nih.gov.

Treatment

Self-care treats most cases of gas. If the gas is due to another problem, treating the problem reduces or gets rid of the gas.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Try not to swallow air. Don’t have carbonated drinks and chewing gum. These can cause more air to get into your stomach.

* When you add fiber to your diet, do so gradually.

* When you pass gas, note which foods you have eaten. Eat less of the foods that often cause gas. Common ones are apples, bran, whole-wheat foods, cabbage-family vegetables, eggs, dairy products, prunes, and beans.

* To prevent getting gas from many “gassy” foods, try an over-the-counter product, such as Beano. This helps prevent gas from beans, bran, nuts, onions, soy, and many vegetables.

* Try an over-the-counter medicine with simethicone, such as Gas-X.

* Release the gas when you need to. Go to another room if it will help you be less embarrassed.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Kidney Stones Hurt

MEDICAL NEWS

Although they can be painful, kidney stones rarely cause permanent damage, and you may be able to prevent them, according to the National Institutes of Health. Back or side pain that won’t go away is the primary symptom of a kidney stone. You may also have pinkish or foul-smelling urine, a fever, or painful urination. Caucasians are more prone to kidney stones than African Americans, and men are more prone than women. Age is also a factor. The chance of getting a kidney stone rises as men enter their 40s and continues to rise into their 70s. For women, the risk peaks in their 50s.

Each day, about 50 gallons of blood flows through your kidneys. The kidneys remove waste products including various minerals and other substances from the blood and transfer them into urine so your body can get rid of these waste products. In people who get stones, certain minerals in the urine combine with other waste products and start to form a stone.

Kidney stones aren’t all the same. The most common type is made of the mineral calcium, combined with either oxalate or phosphate. Less common types of stones are made of uric acid or other chemicals, all of which are naturally found in the body. No one knows why these substances form kidney stones in some people but not in others, since we all have them in our urine.

Most kidney stones eventually pass out of the body during urination. But some can grow large enough to begin blocking the flow of urine. That causes intense pain and may also put you at risk for infection. Most kidney stones that don’t pass on their own are treated in an outpatient setting. The most common procedure is called lithotripsy. Greek for “stone crushing,” this technique uses shock waves to reduce kidney stones into small fragments, which then easily flow away in urine.

If you’ve had more than one kidney stone, you’re at higher risk for forming another. But there are ways to help prevent most types of kidney stones. First, your doctor needs to know what type of stone it is. If you pass a stone, try to catch it in a strainer. A laboratory analysis can help your doctor plan a strategy to prevent more stones. Other tests, which may include urine and blood tests, can help your doctor figure out why you had a kidney stone.

Drinking more water may help prevent kidney stones. Depending on the type of stone you’re at risk for, your doctor may also advise you to avoid certain foods or drinks. For example, people prone to forming calcium oxalate stones should avoid spinach, peanuts, and chocolate. People prone to forming uric acid stones should cut back on meat. Doctors can also prescribe certain medications to help prevent these types of stones.

Stone watch

Call a doctor if you have any of the following signs of a kidney stone:

* Extreme pain in your back or side that won’t go away

* Blood in your urine (it will look pink)

* Fever and chills

* Vomiting

* Urine that smells bad or looks cloudy

* A burning feeling when you urinate

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Food Poisoning

Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

Self-care treats most cases. Botulism, chemical food poisoning, and severe bacterial food poisoning need immediate care.

Botulism

Cause

Toxin from bacteria usually from eating improperly canned foods. Also found in honey and oils infused with garlic. Grows only in little or no oxygen.

Signs & Symptoms

Blurred vision. Double vision. A hard time speaking and swallowing. Breathing problems. Muscle weakness. Paralysis. Signs occur within 4 to 36 hours.

Prevention

Follow proper canning methods. Boil home-canned food for 10 or more minutes. Don’t eat foods from cans with leaks or bulges. Refrigerate oils infused with garlic or herbs. Don’t give honey to children less than 1 year old.

E. coli

Cause

Bacteria from contaminated water, raw milk, raw or rare ground beef, unpasteurized apple juice or cider, or contact with contaminated animal feces.

Signs & Symptoms

Diarrhea or bloody discharge. Abdominal cramps. Nausea. Signs occur within 2 to 5 days and last about 8 days.

Prevention

Don’t drink unpasteurized milk and apple cider. Wash your hands after using the bathroom and cleaning up animal feces.

Listeria

Cause

Bacteria from unpasteurized milk, uncooked meats, foods contaminated during processing (cold cuts, hot dogs, soft cheeses).

Signs & Symptoms

Fever. Chills. Headache. Backache. Abdominal pain. Diarrhea. Often, signs occur within 48 to 72 hours, but can take up to 3 weeks to occur.

Prevention

Don’t drink unpasteurized milk. Cook beef to an internal temperature of 160ºF.

Salmonella

Cause

Bacteria from raw or undercooked eggs, poultry, and meat and from food that comes in contact with contaminated surfaces.

Signs & Symptoms

Stomach pain. Diarrhea. Nausea. Chills. Fever. Headache. Signs occur within 8 to 12 hours and last up to 1 or 2 days.

Prevention

Don’t have unpasteurized milk, raw and undercooked eggs. Cook eggs to 160ºF (the white and yolk are firm). Use clean utensils and surfaces.

Staphylococcal enterotoxin

Cause

Toxin from bacteria usually from meats, dairy foods, eggs, etc. that are not kept cold (e.g., unrefrigerated, at picnics, etc.) Also spread by human contact.

Signs & Symptoms

Severe nausea. Abdominal cramps. Diarrhea. Vomiting. Signs occur within 1 to 6 hours and last up to 3 days. Signs last longer if severe dehydration occurs.

Prevention

Keep foods that can spoil cold (40ºF or below) or hot (140ºF or higher). Don’t eat foods kept for more than 2 hours between 40ºF and 140ºF. Don’t eat foods that look or smell spoiled. Wash your hands often. Use clean utensils and surfaces.

Chemicals

Cause

From foods with pesticides and eating poisonous mushrooms or poisonous plant leaves or berries.

Signs & Symptoms

Sweating. Dizziness. Mental confusion. Very teary eyes. Watery mouth. Stomach pain. Vomiting. Diarrhea. Signs start to occur within 30 minutes.

Prevention

Wash raw fruits and vegetables before eating them. Don’t store food or liquids in containers with lead- based paints. Don’t store alcohol in lead crystal containers.

Hepatitis A virus

Cause

From contaminated water, raw and undercooked shellfish, oysters, clams, mussels, scallops, etc.

Signs & Symptoms

Appetite loss. Nausea. Vomiting. Fever. Jaundice and dark urine after 3 to 10 days. Liver damage and death from severe infection.

Prevention

Hepatitis A vaccine. Don’t eat raw or undercooked shellfish, oysters, etc.

Norwalk-like viruses

Cause

From food and touching objects contaminated with the virus. Direct contact with an infected person.

Signs & Symptoms

Nausea. Vomiting. Diarrhea. Stomach cramps. Signs occur within 12 to 48 hours and last up to 2 days.

Prevention

Wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before handling food. Disinfect contaminated surfaces.

Mercury

Cause

From eating contaminated fish (e.g., shark, swordfish, tuna, king mackerel, tilefish).

Signs & Symptoms

Numbness and tingling in the lips, fingers, and toes. A hard time walking and speaking. Muscle weakness. Memory loss. Mental changes. Tremors.

Prevention

Check local health department for safety of fish. Limit fish high in mercury. Pregnant women need to follow the advice of their doctor.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* For chemical food poisoning, call the Poison Control Center (800.222.1222).

* Heed warnings for food products that could be harmful. News reports list these items. So does the FDA atwww.fda.gov.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Ulcers Not Caused By Stress

MEDICAL NEWS

The lining of your stomach makes acid and enzymes that help break down food into the nutrients you need. The lining protects itself from acid damage by releasing mucus. But sometimes the lining gets inflamed and starts making less acid, enzymes, and mucus. This type of inflammation is called gastritis.

You may have gastritis if you have pain or an uncomfortable feeling in your upper stomach. You could have nausea or vomiting. Or you may have no symptoms at all.

Untreated, some types of gastritis can lead to ulcers. These are sores in the stomach lining.

Some people think ulcers are caused by stress and spicy foods. But according to the NIH in Health, bacteria called H. pylori are often to blame. These bacteria break down the inner protective coating in the stomach and can cause inflammation.

H. pylori can spread by passing from person to person or through contaminated food or water. Infections can be treated with antibiotics.

One type of gastritis, called erosive gastritis, wears away the stomach lining. The most common cause of erosive gastritis is long-term use of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include aspirin and ibuprofen. Stop taking these pain relievers and the gastritis usually clears up.

Less common causes of gastritis include digestive disorders (such as Crohn’s disease) and autoimmune disorders in which the body’s protective immune cells attack healthy cells in the stomach lining.

Gastritis can be diagnosed with an endoscope. A thin tube with a tiny camera on the end is inserted through the patient’s mouth or nose and into the stomach. The doctor looks at the stomach lining and may remove some tissue samples for testing. Treatment will depend on the type of gastritis found.

Although stress and spicy foods don’t cause gastritis and ulcers, they can make symptoms worse. Milk might provide brief relief, but it also increases stomach acid, which can worsen symptoms. Your doctor may advise taking antacids or other drugs to reduce acid in the stomach.

Gastritis can lead to ulcers over time. Symptoms of ulcers include pain between the belly button and breastbone that starts between meals or during the night. It briefly stops if you eat or take antacids, lasts for minutes to hours, and comes and goes for several days or weeks.

Contact your doctor right away if you have sudden sharp stomach pain that doesn’t go away, black or bloody stools, or vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026