June 15, 2020

Could Heartburn Med Pepcid Ease COVID-19 Symptoms?

THURSDAY, June 4, 2020 -- An over-the-counter heartburn remedy is showing some potential as a symptom reliever for COVID-19, a small study finds.

Famotidine, sold under the brand name Pepcid, appeared to improve symptoms in a group of 10 patients diagnosed with COVID-19, researchers reported online June 4 in the journal Gut.

June 15, 2020

Could Certain Chemicals Trigger Celiac Disease?

FRIDAY, May 15, 2020 -- Toxic chemicals in a wide range of products are associated with an increased risk of celiac disease in children and young adults, researchers say.

People with celiac disease -- an immune disorder -- can't tolerate foods that contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley.

June 15, 2020

New Guidelines Say No to Probiotics for Digestive Woes

TUESDAY, June 9, 2020 -- There isn't enough scientific evidence to support using probiotics to treat most digestive disorders, according to a new American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) guideline.

Probiotics are living, microscopic organisms found in foods or dietary supplements, according to the AGA. They include certain bacteria and yeasts.

May 19, 2020

Studies Show COVID-19 Can Infect and Harm Digestive Organs

THURSDAY, May 14, 2020 -- The new coronavirus isn't just attacking the lungs: New research shows it's causing harm to the gastrointestinal tract, especially in more advanced cases of COVID-19.

A variety of imaging scans performed on hospitalized COVID-19 patients showed bowel abnormalities, according to a study published online May 11 in Radiology. Many of the effects were severe and linked with clots and impairment of blood flow.

May 5, 2020

Parent or Sibling With Colon Cancer? You May Need Colonoscopy Earlier

MONDAY, April 20, 2020 -- If colon cancer runs in your family, screening at age 40 might help catch the disease at an early stage, or even prevent it, specialists say.

But a new investigation suggests that that advice is rarely heeded among those who go on to develop colon cancer before age 50.

April 29, 2020

'Dead' Probiotic Bacteria Could Help Ease Irritable Bowel

THURSDAY, April 9, 2020 -- Probiotic supplements containing "killed" bacteria might help some people with irritable bowel syndrome find relief, a new study suggests.

Experts said the findings add to evidence that certain probiotics can help some people with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. And it's the first trial to test a probiotic with bacteria that were heat-killed -- which, the researchers say, could make the supplement more practical to use.