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Gastrointestinal Tract

All articles tagged with #gastrointestinal tract

health-and-medicine1 year ago

"Machine-Learning Model Identifies Deadly Drug Combinations for Safer Prescribing"

Researchers at MIT, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Duke University have developed a strategy to identify the transporters used by different drugs, which could help improve patient treatment by identifying potential drug interactions. By using tissue models and machine-learning algorithms, they identified interactions between a commonly prescribed antibiotic and a blood thinner, as well as other drugs. This approach could also be applied to drugs in development to prevent interactions with other drugs or improve their absorbability.

health2 years ago

The Serotonin-Long COVID Connection: New Research Unveils Potential Link

Low levels of serotonin in the body, caused by traces of the virus remaining in the gastrointestinal tract, may contribute to the development and persistence of long COVID symptoms, according to a study. Researchers found that long COVID patients had different levels of chemicals in their body compared to those who had recovered, with serotonin being the most significant. The low levels of serotonin may lead to cognitive difficulties and memory problems commonly associated with long COVID. Further studies are needed to confirm the causal link between low serotonin levels and long COVID, and to develop potential treatments.

health2 years ago

The Truth About Swallowing Gum: Harmless or Cause for Concern?

The common belief that swallowed chewing gum stays in the stomach for seven years is a myth, according to experts. Swallowing gum is only harmful if done excessively, which is rare. It passes through the stomach and intestines unchanged and is eventually eliminated from the body. While swallowing gum won't cause harm, it has no nutritional value. Gum was historically used by ancient civilizations to stave off thirst and hunger. Swallowing gum is generally not a concern for most people, but it could cause issues for those with gastrointestinal problems or narrowings in the digestive tract.

health2 years ago

The Aging Process: Unraveling the Mystery of Increased Stomach Pain

As we age, our digestive system can experience changes that lead to issues such as heartburn, bloating, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits. The aging process can affect the nerves and muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, causing slower digestion and communication between organs. Factors like decreased saliva production, medication side effects, and chronic health conditions can further exacerbate these issues. To optimize digestion, experts recommend chewing better, stimulating saliva production, eating a plant-based diet, staying hydrated, exercising, getting enough sleep, and managing medications properly. It's important to consult a doctor if digestive issues persist or are accompanied by concerning symptoms.

health2 years ago

"Decoding the Meaning Behind Different Poop Colors: Expert Insights"

The color of your poop can provide valuable insights into your digestive health. Brown is the most common color, resulting from the breakdown of bilirubin and bile. Green stools can indicate rapid movement through the GI tract or dietary factors. Yellow or orange stools may signal poor fat absorption or certain infections. Black stools could be a sign of internal bleeding, ulcers, or inflammation. White or pale stools may indicate a lack of bile reaching the digestive tract or certain medications. Red poop can be a red flag, potentially indicating bleeding from the colon or rectum, hemorrhoids, ulcers, or even colon cancer. If you notice unusual poop colors not linked to your diet or medications, it's advisable to consult a doctor.

health2 years ago

"Decoding the Meaning Behind Different Poop Colors: Expert Insights"

The color of your poop can provide important insights into your digestive health. Brown is the most common color, resulting from the breakdown of bilirubin and bile during digestion. Green stools can indicate rapid movement through the gastrointestinal tract or dietary factors. Yellow or orange stools may suggest poor fat absorption or celiac disease. Black stools could be a sign of internal bleeding in the upper GI tract, while white or pale stools may indicate a lack of bile reaching the digestive tract. Red poop can be a red flag, potentially indicating bleeding from the colon or rectum, which may be caused by conditions like hemorrhoids, ulcers, or colon cancer. If you notice unusual poop colors not linked to your diet or medications, it's advisable to consult a doctor.