Maintaining Gut Health
Watch this video to learn how keep your gut healthy and balanced.
Fasting: What You Need to Know
Ever considered fasting? Our doctors talk about the benefits and science behind intermittent fasting.
How to Prevent Food Poisoning
Our experts offer advice on how to steer clear of foodborne illnesses.
What Causes Stomach Ulcers?
If you believe stress and spicy foods cause stomach ulcers, think again.
Featured Articles
![Cottage cheese](/images/health-topics/nutrition/cottage-cheese-280x150.jpg)
How to Reduce Gas and a Bloated Belly
Learn the most common reasons for that sudden belly expansion, and how a few lifestyle adjustments can help.
![Woman with stomach-ache](/images/health-topics/digestive-health/woman-with-stomach-pain-280x150.jpg)
Women: What to Know About Your Digestive Tract
For reasons both physical and hormonal, women’s digestive systems function differently from men’s. Learn what that means for your body.
![Orange juice](/images/health-topics/nutrition/glass-of-orange-juice-280x150.jpg)
Soothing Heartburn
Heartburn (acid reflux) happens when stomach juices splash up into your esophagus. Find out why you shouldn’t ignore it.
Ask an Expert
Frank L. Anderson, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
I just purchased a gluten lactase enzyme medication that claims to let me eat anything safely. I have recently been diagnosed with celiac disease, and also feel lactose intolerant. Will this product work, or did I just waste my money?
That sounds like a product too good to be true and I would imagine persons suffering from celiac disease and lactose intolerance would be very receptive. Unfortunately these are two very different problems whic... continue reading about I just purchased a gluten lactase enzyme medication that claims to let me eat anything safely. I have recently been diagnosed with celiac disease, and also feel lactose intolerant. Will this product work, or did I just waste my money?
Sue Hazeghazam, R.D.
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
I'm 56 and in very good health. My eating habits are normal, but I get bloated frequently. Can you give me some information on what may cause this and how to prevent it?
My first thought goes to the possibility of lactose intolerance (the diminished ability to properly breakdown lactose in the intestinal tract). Lactose intolerance can occur when people age and may also occur i... continue reading about I'm 56 and in very good health. My eating habits are normal, but I get bloated frequently. Can you give me some information on what may cause this and how to prevent it?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I have a gluten and a dairy intolerance as well as high cholesterol. Do you have a diet suggestion that may address these issues and still allow me to enjoy meal times? I hate tofu!
You definitely have a challenging dietary situation, but you do have some good options beside tofu.There are plenty of legumes and nuts that you can incorporate into your diet. You could make a bean vegetarian ... continue reading about I have a gluten and a dairy intolerance as well as high cholesterol. Do you have a diet suggestion that may address these issues and still allow me to enjoy meal times? I hate tofu!
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
Does goat cheese contain lactose? If I am lactose intolerant, is it safe to eat?
Lactose is the sugar found in milk. If you have been told you are lactose intolerant, you are unable to digest this sugar. Some people can eat or drink small amounts of lactose, while others can not tolerate an... continue reading about Does goat cheese contain lactose? If I am lactose intolerant, is it safe to eat?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What does gallbladder pain feel like? How do I know if I need medical attention?
The gallbladder is a sack about the size of a fig that is attached to the underside of the liver. Its function is to store bile, which is a substance made in the liver that is necessary to digest fat. When you ... continue reading about What does gallbladder pain feel like? How do I know if I need medical attention?
Katerina P. Shetler, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I have intestinal scarring from scleroderma, which now is in remission. I have trouble digesting food and suffer from diarrhea, constipation, digestive pain and rectal cramps. What foods are best for me and what should I avoid?
I am sorry to hear that scleroderma affected your bowel.The scleroderma may affect motility of the small bowel and stomach. It can also lead to the recurrent small intestine bacterial overgrowth. Patients with ... continue reading about I have intestinal scarring from scleroderma, which now is in remission. I have trouble digesting food and suffer from diarrhea, constipation, digestive pain and rectal cramps. What foods are best for me and what should I avoid?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I have severe bloating from taking pain medication. Is this normal?
I would need to know more about what symptoms are being described as "bloating". If it is referring to constipation or an expanding abdomen, yes - many pain medications, especially opioids (hydrocodone, oxycodo... continue reading about I have severe bloating from taking pain medication. Is this normal?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I recently was diagnosed with Graves's disease. I also have gluten intolerance and have been eating some gluten foods. Do you think that my diet contributed to hyperthyroidism?
I do not think that your diet contributed to your condition of hyperthyroidism. There is no relation between the two conditions that I am aware of. Graves disease is an immune system disorder that results in th... continue reading about I recently was diagnosed with Graves's disease. I also have gluten intolerance and have been eating some gluten foods. Do you think that my diet contributed to hyperthyroidism?
Michelle Smith, R.N.N.P.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
Why is it that recently, at my age of 44, I get extremely bad stomach aches and feel really bloated, one to two weeks before my period? I've never had this before.
Welcome to life in your 40s! A lot of changes can and do happen. My first recommendation is to see a gastrointestinal doctor or nurse practitioner. Stomach aches and bloating often occur with irritable bowel sy... continue reading about Why is it that recently, at my age of 44, I get extremely bad stomach aches and feel really bloated, one to two weeks before my period? I've never had this before.
More Resources
![View Sutter's full resource library](/images/icons/medical-library-80x80.png)
Healthwise Resource Library
Look up helpful health information.
![View information for Sutter Health Patients](/images/icons/patient-record-80x80.png)
Patient Information
Practical info for Sutter patients.
![Tools and Quizzes](/images/icons/tools-quizzes-80x80.png)
Tools and Quizzes
Online tools to help you make decisions about your health.