A long-term study found that children with autism are more likely to experience persistent gastrointestinal issues, which are linked to greater challenges in sleep, communication, and behavior, highlighting the need for better screening and treatment.
Chamomile tea, made from the flowers of the chamomile plant, has been used for centuries for its potential health benefits. Studies suggest that chamomile tea may support better sleep, alleviate digestive problems, ease symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), improve blood sugar control, and promote heart health. However, chamomile tea may have side effects and interactions with certain medications, and individuals with allergies, IBS, or underlying health conditions should consult with a healthcare provider before using it medicinally.
Weight loss drugs that mimic the hormone GLP-1 to suppress appetite may be linked to digestive problems, including pancreatitis, gastroparesis, and bowel obstruction, according to a study analyzing data from over 5,000 patients. While the risk is relatively small, with a four-fold increase in certain complications compared to non-GLP-1 medications, the growing number of people taking these drugs raises concerns. GLP-1 medications slow down digestion and manage blood glucose levels, but the study focused on their weight loss effects in non-diabetic obese patients. The research highlights the need for further investigation and consideration of the risk-benefit balance for individuals considering these drugs for weight loss.
Popular weight loss drugs, including Wegovy, Ozempic, Saxenda, and Victoza, may be linked to serious digestive problems such as stomach paralysis, pancreatitis, and bowel obstructions, according to a new study. While the risks of these events happening to individual patients appear to be rare, the high demand for these drugs may result in hundreds of thousands of new cases. The study found that people taking Ozempic and Saxenda were more likely to develop serious stomach and intestinal problems compared to those taking Contrave. The study authors suggest updating the warning labels for these drugs to include the risk of gastroparesis and hope their findings will help patients make more informed decisions.
Stomach growling, also known as borborygmi, is caused by peristalsis, a series of muscular contractions that propel gas, food, and liquids along the digestive tract. These contractions occur whether the stomach is hungry or full, but are more noticeable when the stomach is empty. The hormone ghrelin triggers feelings of hunger and stimulates peristalsis. Stomach growling can also be caused by incomplete digestion of certain foods or digestive illnesses. Overall, stomach rumbling is a normal and harmless function of the digestive system.
Certain foods can trigger digestive issues such as acid reflux, gas, upset stomach, and bloating. These foods vary from person to person, so it's important to listen to your body and identify which ones bother you. Some common culprits include fried food, sugar alcohols, high fructose corn syrup, highly acidic fruits, peppermint, beans, cruciferous vegetables, spicy food, and chocolate. To minimize discomfort, try alternative cooking methods, read ingredient labels, choose non-citrus fruits, avoid peppermint, soak beans before cooking, cook cruciferous vegetables, reduce spice levels, and limit chocolate consumption.
The new weight loss jab, Tirzepatide, has been found to cause unexpected side effects such as hair loss, sulphur burps, and digestive issues. Despite this, hundreds of Americans are taking it as a weight-loss drug 'off-label', with some reporting jaw-dropping transformations. The drug has been found to be more powerful than its main rival, Wegovy, and has been filed for approval as a weight loss option in the US and UK. However, the drug is currently only approved for type 2 diabetes. The side effects are most commonly reported during the dose escalation period, and hair loss has been associated with significant weight loss in previous clinical trials for obesity treatment.