What are they? Gallstones are hard, pebble-like pieces of bile that develop in a person’s gallbladder, a vital organ that stores and releases bile (1). They form when the substances in bile harden. Gallstones are most common in older adults, women, overweight people, Native Americans, and Mexican Americans (2). 20% of the European population was affected by gallstone disease in 2020 (3). Being overweight or having obesity can increase an individual’s likelihood of developing

Figure 1. Conversion of agricultural biomass into prebiotic xylooligosaccharides (XOS) and their role in gut microbiome modulation. (Generated image) Introduction Each year, millions of tons of agricultural residues such as sugarcane bagasse, wheat straw, barley straw, and corn husks are generated worldwide. These materials are often treated as waste, burned, or discarded, creating environmental and economic challenges (1,2). However, researchers are increasingly recognizing

Sophie Maliakal What Is Fatty Liver Disease? Could you have a liver disease without even knowing it? Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide. It occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver and often develops without causing noticeable symptoms. As a result, many people are unaware they have the condition until it is discovered dur

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEMORRHOIDS AND ANAL FISSSURES: Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are the lumps formed from swollen veins in the rectum and around the anus. Internal hemorrhoids are developed inside the rectum whereas external hemorrhoids are developed under the skin around the anus. On the other hand, anal fissures are the skin tears resulting in bleeds [1, 2]. Both of them share some common symptoms, that is why most of the times these are confused

By: Mahak Gupta Figure 1. Illustration showing the role of xylooligosaccharides (XOS) derived from plant biomass in modulating the gut microbiome. Introduction As research on gut health continues to evolve, prebiotics have emerged as key dietary components that support a balanced microbiome. While traditional prebiotics such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are widely studied, a new class of compounds- xylooligosaccharides (XOS) is gaining attention for its potent a

When people think of bacteria, they often associate them with illness. In reality, trillions of microorganisms naturally live on and inside the human body, forming what is known as the human microbiome. This diverse community includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes that inhabit areas such as the gut, skin, mouth, and respiratory tract. Rather than simply existing alongside us, these microorganisms work together with the body to support many essential functions.

Figure 1:Progression of liver cirrhosis from a healthy liver to chronic hepatic injury and advanced cirrhosis. Chronic inflammatory insults such as viral hepatitis, alcohol misuse, and fatty liver disease lead to repeated hepatocyte injury, fibrosis, distortion of hepatic architecture, reduced hepatic blood flow, and impaired liver function. Image adapted from Swiss Medica Introduction Liver cirrhosis is the end stage of chronic liver injury characterized by diffuse fibrosis,

Celiac disease is managed through a strict gluten-free diet. However, because gluten-free processed foods rely heavily on rice, patients face an unintended risk: rice efficiently absorbs heavy metals from flooded soil. Studies show that individuals on a gluten-free diet have significantly higher levels of arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium, which can lead to long-term health issues. To minimize this risk, patients should diversify their diets with alternative grains like qui

This article looks at the role of the colon in health and wellness, causes of constipation, treatment of constipation and lifestyle changes useful to improve the health of your colon. The Colon’s Role in Your Health and Wellness The colon, also known as the large intestine or large bowel, is the area of the digestive tract that is responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from food waste and for forming stool. The colon is approximately five feet in length and is divided

Introduction Obesity is a complex medical condition that is closely linked with serious health complications, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension among others. Medications aimed at weight reduction have been attempted since the early 20th century, although most are limited by significant adverse effects. Since the early 2020s, a new class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1Ras) has demonstrated safe and effec

Cover Image: BRITISH NUTRITION FOUNDATION. Fibre - Nutrition Information - British Nutrition Foundation [Internet]. British Nutrition Foundation. 2023. Available from: https://www.nutrition.org.uk/nutritional-information/fibre/ What is Fiber? ‌Dietary fiber is a type of plant-based carbohydrate that the human body cannot digest or absorb. Fiber is an important component of a healthy diet. It helps prevent constipation, lower cholesterol, manage blood sugar and reduce the risk

Image was designed by the Author Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignancy that originates in the colon or rectum, both of which are part of the large intestine. Millions of people globally are diagnosed with this disease, leading to approximately one million deaths each year. While CRC traditionally affected older individuals, it is now increasingly being diagnosed in people under the age of 50, with men being more affected than women [1]. In the absence of effect

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Despite its prevalence, it is also one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer when detected early. It affects the colon and rectum, key parts of the digestive system, and often develops silently (1). That’s why awareness about its risks, symptoms, and screening options isn’t just important, it can be lifesaving. What Is Colorectal Cancer? Colorectal cancer develops when abnormal cells grow unc

The Brain Have you ever heard the term “hunger cues”? Or wondered why your body tells you to stop eating once you feel full? That sensation isn’t random -- it’s controlled by a hormone called leptin. Leptin is a protein hormone produced primarily by fat (adipose) cells in your body. Its main job is to help regulate energy balance. After you eat, fat cells release leptin into the bloodstream. This hormone travels to a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which is respon

Have you ever felt “butterflies” before something exciting or a sinking feeling when you’re nervous? These experiences aren’t just in your head! They’re part of a real, ongoing conversation between your gut and your brain. This relationship, often called the gut–brain connection, shows how closely your physical and emotional states are linked. A Two-Way Communication System The gut and brain are constantly sending signals back and forth. While the brain communicates with the

by Kat Pachas BSN, RN Bloating, that uncomfortable feeling when your belly feels tight and full, is something many people deal with now and then. It often happens after eating a big meal full of carbohydrates, like a large plate of your favorite spaghetti. But bloating can also be caused by health conditions. Many people know about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) could also be behind your painful bloating, even though many peop

Introduction Why does a slice of cake feel so satisfying even when we are hungry? Beyond taste, beyond calories, beyond sweetness, sugar activates a network in the brain structure known as the mesolimbic pathway. When we eat sugar, this system releases dopamine, reinforcing behaviours the brain interprets as rewarding. While this response is a part of normal human physiology, the frequency and intensity with which it is stimulated in modern dietary environments is historicall

Crohn's disease (CD) represents a complex, chronic, and progressive inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. It is a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation throughout the digestive tract. Unlike ulcerative colitis, CD can affect any segment from the mouth to the anus and often penetrates the deeper layers of the bowel wall. Because inflammation can penetrate deep into the bowel wall, it can lead to complications like strictur

If you are someone dealing with chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs), trying to somehow stop the relentless cycle of repeated infections, taking so many courses of antibiotics that your doctor prescribes only to obtain short-term relief and eventually making the bacteria resistant to them, you have already realised that the pain is not just physical. At this point, you are living with hundreds of thoughts, from planning your day around bathrooms, panicking at the first hi

In clinical medicine, it’s easy to assume that if two patients receive the same diagnosis and the same prescription, their outcomes should look similar. In reality, that’s rarely the case. Some patients respond immediately to treatment, while others see little benefit or experience unexpected side effects. While genetics and lifestyle are often cited as explanations, another factor is gaining attention for its quiet but also very significant role: the gut microbiome. The gut