Acid reflux, or GERD, is an extremely unpleasant burning sensation in the chest and throat caused by the rise of stomach acids into the esophagus. There are many triggers that can worsen acid reflux, such as spicy foods, acidic fruit juices, caffeine and fried foods.

Starch is the main form of dietary, digestible carbohydrates. The process of digestion involves the breakdown of a complex molecule into the simplest form the body can use. Once the starch molecule is broken down, the small intestine transfers it into the bloodstream, where it is shuttled to the cells that need it.

The human liver is an organ located within the abdomen, with its larger lobe on the right side of the body. The liver is the largest gland in the body and possesses remarkable regeneration capabilities. The gland secretes bile, a green-colored digestive enzyme stored in the gall bladder during fasting.

An ulcer occurs when part of the lining of the stomach or intestines becomes deeply eroded. Most people who have an ulcer likely developed it from an infection by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori. Ulcers can also be caused by regular usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs.

Living with acid reflux can often be a guessing game of wondering which foods will provoke symptoms. Shelled nuts contain many beneficial nutrients, including fiber, protein and healthy fats. But if eating them causes reflux symptoms, such as heartburn and sour burps, they may be a personal trigger food.

IBS -- or irritable bowel syndrome -- is a condition affecting the large intestine. IBS often causes abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. IBS does not lead to permanent diseases or conditions but can cause a lot of discomfort and pain.

Diarrhea is not always a sign of illness. For some children, the occasional bout may be normal, even if it contains mucus. The key is to know when diarrhea is a symptom of a problem. Factors to evaluate include the frequency and consistency of the stool.

In addition to having a spicy-hot flavor, hot peppers may also cause a short-term rise in body temperature accompanied by sweating. Many people complain of stomach irritation and heartburn after eating hot peppers as well, so you may wonder what kind of damage hot peppers do to your digestive system.

A postpartum woman should always discuss abdominal pain after delivery with a health-care provider. In most cases, the pain is a normal after-effect of the birth and the uterus' attempt to shrink back to its original size.

Almonds have been part of the human diet for thousands of years, but until recently, were not available in the large quantities they are today. If you enjoy almonds, it can be difficult to stop after only a small handful, and you can end up eating too many.

Acid reflux occurs when acidic digestive juices leak from the stomach into the esophagus. Its symptoms include heartburn, a sour taste in the mouth and a sore throat. Acid reflux can be treated in a variety of ways, but for people whose reflux is related to cow's milk, soy milk can be a good alternative.

Metamucil is a dietary supplement that is sold over-the-counter. It is commonly used to treat constipation and diarrhea and can also help lower cholesterol. Metamucil is 100 percent psyllium husk fiber, a soluble fiber that provides regularity.