Digestive Health
Your digestive system plays a crucial role in your ability to absorb important nutrients so you have the energy you need. Explore these resources to learn about conditions, treatments, and ways to keep your digestive system healthy.
Explore digestive health
Causes
Digestive health issues can arise due to various factors, such as poor diet, stress, or underlying medical conditions.
Definition
Learn the basic digestive system parts and functions to increase your digestive health knowledge.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing digestive health issues may involve medical history assessment, physical examination and testing.
Management
Managing your digestive health may include anything from simple lifestyle changes to surgical intervention.
Prevention
Preventing digestive health issues involves maintaining a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle practices.
Recovery
Recovering from a digestive health issue requires appropriate treatment and time for the body to heal.
Related Conditions
Various internal conditions can have a large impact on digestive health in a many different of ways.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a digestive health issue may include abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
Spotlight on inflammatory bowel disease
Types
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is part of a group of diseases called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Types
Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a long-term, chronic illness that's part of a group of diseases known as inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD.
Diagnosing digestive issues
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Treatment
Digestive Diagnostic Procedures
Detailed information on the most common tests and procedures used to diagnosis digestive disorders
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Diagnosis
CT Scan of the Abdomen
CT scan is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, soft tissues, organs, and blood vessels. They are more detailed than regular X-rays.
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Diagnosis
Upper GI Endoscopy
An upper GI endoscopy is a procedure to diagnose and treat problems in your upper GI (gastrointestinal) tract. Read on to learn more about the procedure, including why you might need it, how to get ready for it, and what happens during and after.
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Diagnosis
Abdominal Ultrasound
An abdominal ultrasound is an imaging test used to assess the organs and structures in the belly. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after the test.
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Diagnosis
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is used to view the inside of your lower digestive tract (colon and rectum). It can help screen for colon cancer and can help find the source of abdominal pain, bleeding, and changes in bowel habits.
Test your digestive health knowledge
Take the Food Quiz
Answer this one: Which ethnic food offers healthy, low-fat choices?
Appendix Quiz
The human appendix is a 3- to 6-inch narrow tube located where the small and large intestines join. It's mostly known for becoming inflamed, affecting thousands of Americans each year. To learn more about the appendix, take this quiz.
Digestive System Quiz
What happens to that cheeseburger and fries you had for lunch? During the digestive process, food is converted into energy that's used by your body. Take this quiz to see how much you know about how digestion works.
