Digestive health – articles and advice
General digestive health
Read features on gut health, digestion and related conditions, with practical lifestyle tips. For reference information, see our Patient Information Leaflets on digestive health.
General digestive health
The digestive system processes food - from the time it is first eaten until it is either absorbed by the body or passed out as poo.
- How to get rid of trapped wind: home remedies that work
- Poo - what's normal?
- What is small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)?
- What blood in your poo could mean
- Sneaky ways to eat more fibre
- The digestive system
- What does the pancreas do?
- What does your poo say about you?
- Hiatus hernia treatment options
Abdominal pain
Stomach pain can range from harmless to serious. Discover common causes of abdominal discomfort and when to seek urgent medical attention.
Anal and rectal problems
From piles to itching and bleeding, anal and rectal issues are more common than you think. Learn the causes and treatments that can provide relief.
Bowel problems
Bowel troubles like constipation, diarrhoea, or IBS can affect anyone. Learn the causes, treatment options, and how to keep your digestion on track.
- 6 natural remedies for constipation
- Crohn's disease in children: How to support your child
- What is the best diet for Crohn's disease?
- What it's like to have an invisible disability
- How Crohn's disease can affect your sex life
- How to treat constipation and hard-to-pass stools
- How to treat bowel incontinence
- Coeliac disease diet sheet
Diarrhoea
Everyone has it sometimes. Discover what causes diarrhoea, how to treat it at home, and when it could signal something more serious.
Gastroenteritis
Gastro bugs can cause nausea, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. Learn about the causes, how to avoid dehydration, and when to seek medical advice.
Gut health
A healthy gut supports digestion, boosts immunity, and influences mood-making it essential for overall health. Get practical tips and expert advice on gut health, from improving digestion to boosting your body’s natural defences.
- What is your gut microbiome?
- The best gut health foods - and why you need them
- The 5 best probiotic foods for a healthy gut
- Does aloe vera juice really help with gut health?
- What is the link between stroke recovery and gut health?
- How gut bacteria affect mood, focus and brain health
- What's the link between anxiety and gut health?
- The link between gut health and happiness
- Is there a link between gut health and migraines?
- C-section babies have different gut bacteria to those born vaginally
- How your gut affects your overall health
Indigestion and heartburn
That burning feeling after eating? Learn what causes indigestion and heartburn, how to manage symptoms, and when it might be time to see a doctor.
- UpdatedWhen to worry about indigestion
- Is it really reflux? Why you might be mis-prescribed PPIs
- Acid reflux diet: foods to eat and avoid
- How to deal with Christmas indigestion
- Why does your stomach rumble when you aren't hungry?
- Heartburn at night: how to improve sleep quality with heartburn
- How to get rid of indigestion
- Is it indigestion or something more serious?
- How to manage your heartburn at Christmas
- How to deal with heartburn during pregnancy
- What to eat and avoid for heartburn
- What it means when you constantly need to burp
- Is it indigestion or a heart attack?
Irritable bowel syndrome
IBS causes bloating, cramps, and bowel changes. Discover what triggers symptoms, lifestyle adjustments that can help, and available treatments to ease discomfort.
- What is the link between IBS and anxiety?
- What's the difference between IBS and IBD?
- Which foods trigger irritable bowel syndrome?
- IBS diet: foods to eat and avoid
- Probiotics for IBS: do they work?
- Hypnotherapy for IBS: the gut-brain axis
- Are the symptoms of IBS in men and women different?
- How does IBS affect people at work?
- How IBS affects sex, dating and relationships
Liver and gallbladder
Your liver plays a vital role in filtering toxins and aiding digestion. Learn about common liver conditions, their symptoms, and how to keep your liver healthy.
In this topic:Liver and gallbladderHepatitis
- Fatty liver diet: foods to eat and avoid
- How to look after your liver during freshers’ week
- Gallstones diet: foods to eat and avoid
- Could it be gallstones?
- How to look after your liver
- Can you get gallstones when you're young?
Hepatitis
- What you need to know about hepatitis
- Why has there been an increase of hepatitis in children?
- What's autoimmune hepatitis and how does it differ from other forms?
- What's the difference between hepatitis A, B, and C?