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Flatulence occurs as a by-product of digestion. During the process of food breakdown, protein must be broken into its individual amino acids. Fats must also be broken into fatty acids, and carbohydrates must be broken into individual glucose molecules.

Millions of Americans experience gastrointestinal problems each year which range from indigestion, heartburn, gas, diarrhea, an ulcer, IBS and in more severe cases, sometimes even colon cancer. These problems which affect the gastrointestinal tract cause much discomfort and can be quite frustrating.

Although it may sound like it, heartburn is a painful condition involving the upper digestive system, not the heart. The pain often radiates from the middle of the chest, and so symptoms are often confused with those of a heart attack. The fact is that heartburn is a condition linked to indigestion and excess stomach acid.

Most of us have experienced the sensation of indigestion (Upset Stomach) – ‘fullness’, cramps and discomfort in the abdomen following a meal. It can also be accompanied by a burning sensation above the breastbone (heartburn) and/or fullness in the stomach (bloating). Indigestion is also known as dyspepsia and tends to cause flatulence and intestinal gas. Indigestion is another name for an upset stomach.

At some stage of our lives, most of us will experience a bout of the rather unpleasant condition - diarrhea. Most of us experience two bowel movements per day, and have firm stools. When stools are watery or liquid and very loose – and this occurs three or more times a day, it is known as diarrhea. For most, this condition lasts a day or two, but if it persists, it may be a reason for concern, or point to a more serious condition.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disorder that causes inflammation and swelling in the digestive tract or intestinal wall. When the digestive tract becomes chronically inflamed or irritated, bleeding sores called ulcers develop. These ulcers can cause abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, blood in the stool, fatigue, reduced appetite, weight loss, or fever.

Diverticulitis is a condition that occurs when sac-like pouches (diverticular) form in the wall of the colon and become inflamed or infected. When stool or food is not broken down, it becomes trapped in the diverticular resulting in pain, swelling, bleeding and infection of the abdomen. It is similar to appendicitis and has the potential to rupture if left untreated. Diverticulitis can lead to a number of serious problems such as an abscess, bleeding, bowel obstruction, fistula, perforation or peritonitis.

Dyspepsia, also known as indigestion or an upset stomach, is the medical term used to describe a burning or painful sensation in the upper abdomen. People are often heard saying that they have a sick feeling in the stomach or nervous stomach when they experience dyspepsia. Symptoms are usually as a result of overeating, eating too quickly or eating the incorrect food combinations.

Digestion is the process by which the body breaks down the food we eat into usable components. Our bodies use food similarly as a car engine uses gas– and this gives us the energy needed to live. When we put food into our mouths digestion has already started – because digestion means breaking food down into smaller molecules!

A duodenal ulcer is a raw area or open sore (ulcer) that develops when there is a break in the lining of the duodenum, the upper part of the small intestine which is connected to the stomach. When food passes from your mouth, it moves through the esophagus and into your stomach. From the stomach, it travels into the duodenum. The duodenum produces chemicals and mucus, which protects the tissues and covers the surface from the acid. If the acid damages this protection by breaking through the lining of the duodenum, an ulcer occurs.