Bariatric Surgery Reveals Complexities of Our Hunger Systems

Bariatric surgery affects a variety of physiological processes in the human body, including brain signaling, hormones, blood composition and the microbiome.

Spotlight On: The Digestive System

Credit: iStock Most of us don’t think much about our digestive system unless it’s causing problems. An upset stomach, vomiting or even just a growling hungry tummy can draw our attention to this part of our body and make us wonder why it isn’t working quite the way it should. The digestive system is our … Continue reading Spotlight On: The Digestive System

Can Eating Fruit Be Hazardous to Your Health?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends two cups of fresh, frozen, canned or dried whole fruits each day for most people following a 2,000-calorie diet. However, some people have difficulty breaking down fruit in their digestive tract or absorbing fructose into their bloodstream. Fructose is a type of sugar that is naturally found in fruit. … Continue reading Can Eating Fruit Be Hazardous to Your Health?

The Brain in Your Gut

Did you know your gut has a brain of its own? It’s called the enteric nervous system. The brain in your gut is embedded in the wall of the digestive tract. Together with your “big brain,” the enteric nervous system helps control gastrointestinal function, including the mixing and grinding of food in the stomach and … Continue reading The Brain in Your Gut

Handling the Pain of Acid Reflux at Holiday Time

Credit: iStock With Thanksgiving coming up, eating—of all things rich, indulgent and delicious—is top of mind for many Americans. But for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), eating this type of food often and in large quantities can be a challenge. This week is GERD Awareness Week, a good time to learn how to prevent … Continue reading Handling the Pain of Acid Reflux at Holiday Time