Learn how food, nutrition, and everyday eating habits may affect important aspects of health, including blood sugar, digestion, heart health, metabolism, and sleep.
You finish eating, and then it starts. Burp. Another burp. And another one. A few burps after a meal are completely normal. But when you find yourself burping repeatedly after almost every meal, it’s natural to wonder whether something is wrong with your digestion. The surprising part is that frequent burping isn’t always caused by … Read more
You finish a meal, sit down, and suddenly your stomach starts making noises. Gurgle. Rumble. Bubbling. Sometimes the sound is so loud that you wonder whether something is wrong with your digestion. The good news is that stomach gurgling after eating is usually a normal part of digestion. But there’s an important distinction between ordinary … Read more
Most constipation is not a sign of something dangerous. A change in diet, not drinking enough fluids, sitting too much, traveling, certain medications, or simply ignoring the urge to poop can all cause constipation. But there is an important exception. Sometimes constipation is not the whole problem. It can be a symptom of another medical … Read more
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. This article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have persistent, severe, or concerning symptoms, consult a qualified healthcare professional. You go to the bathroom. You have a … Read more
If your stool is hard and difficult to pass, you may have heard the simplest advice: “Just drink more water.” But is drinking more water really enough to relieve constipation? The short answer is sometimes—but not always. Not drinking enough fluids can contribute to constipation, and staying adequately hydrated can help keep stools softer. However, … Read more
How often should you poop? Once a day? Twice a day? Every other day? There is no single number that defines a “normal” bowel habit for everyone. Some healthy people have bowel movements several times a day, while others may go only a few times a week. What matters is not just how often you … Read more
Sometimes constipation isn’t about how often you poop. You may go to the bathroom regularly but still deal with small, hard stools that take a lot of effort to pass. You may feel like you need to push harder than usual, or like the stool is simply too dry to come out comfortably. So why … Read more
Constipation can be surprisingly confusing. You may be eating relatively well, drinking water, and still find yourself sitting on the toilet longer than usual. Sometimes the problem is simply hard stool. Other times, you may have a bowel movement but still feel like you haven’t completely emptied your bowels. So why does constipation happen? The … Read more
You make it through the day without much trouble, then get into bed—and suddenly the burning starts. Your chest feels hot. A sour taste comes up into your throat. Sometimes you may even wake up coughing or with an uncomfortable feeling in your chest. So why does heartburn seem to get worse at night? The … Read more
You finish a meal, put your fork down, and suddenly feel a burning sensation rising through your chest. Sometimes it happens after a large meal. Sometimes it happens after something as simple as coffee or a sandwich. So why does heartburn sometimes start almost immediately after eating? In many cases, it is because eating temporarily … Read more