New data out on the novel coronoavirus indicates that many people may experience gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19 infection. In fact, that number may be upwards of 50%. But how does a respiratory tract infection affect the gut? Well, clues to that come from another newly discovered symptom: The loss of taste and smell. That seemingly … Continue reading Gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19: Why do they occur?

The race is on to find a cure for COVID-19, the novel coronavirus leaving a path of destruction behind it. In addition to killing thousands around the World, the economic destruction it's left behind is shocking. But that's not the only shocking thing about COVID-19. It's humble beginnings in Wuhan, China seemed innocent enough. Being … Continue reading COVID-19: Why it may hit Americans hard

Chronic constipation is a condition where people have infrequent, difficult elimination of the bowels. Many times it's due to problems with motility in the colon, but the small intestine can also be a problem. Often, people rely on motility aids to goose things along. Of course, this improves symptoms and allows the person to "go". … Continue reading Chronic constipation? Take your foot off the ileal brake

Helicobacter pylori is a species of bacteria that colonizes the human stomach. Though found in most humans, it often becomes problematic. Many people believe having H. pylori leads to stomach ulcers, but this isn't correct. It's perfectly normal to have H. pylori in your stomach, but when it overgrows, it causes problems. Oftentimes, people experience … Continue reading Got Helicobacter pylori with gastritis? Stop doing this!!!

Hey folks, viral immunity is very important for optimal health. Given the mass hysteria over the coronavirus pandemic, I put together a video on the basics of viral immunity. https://youtu.be/V6iz0Iguvg4 Many of us take our immune system for granted. As a result, our immune function isn't all that great. But there are many things we … Continue reading Viral immunity 101-What you need to know

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) refers to 2 conditions that present with chronic inflammation in the gut. Crohn's disease affects any part of the gut while ulcerative colitis involves only the colon/rectum. Over time, inflammatory bowel disease causes substantial damage to the gut. Symptoms of IBD include: Pain/bloatingFatigueBloody stoolsChronic diarrheaNutritional deficiencies People with IBD often experience episodes … Continue reading Inflammatory bowel disease more common in night owls