The gallbladder is an organ that produces specific enzymes necessary for digestion. Gallstones are a common condition that affect approximately 15 percent of people older than age of 50, as noted on the Better Health Channel website.

Getting enough calcium can help keep your bones strong and protect you from developing osteoporosis. Because it can be difficult to meet the recommended dietary allowance through diet alone, your physician may recommend you take calcium supplements.

Onions are vegetables with a distinctive taste, commonly used in recipes. Additionally, onions have several uses in herbal medicine. However, some individuals have difficulty digesting onions. These digestive problems can result from either an allergy or an intolerance to onions.

Colostomies divert stool from the colon to an opening on the abdominal wall. While many colostomies are permanent, some are placed temporarily to allow damaged bowel to heal after infection or removal of a portion of the intestine.

For most people, the term "acid reflux" goes hand in hand with heartburn. That’s because the burn of the acid is likely to be felt in the lower portion of the esophagus, in the region of the heart. But acid reflux can also cause heart palpitations and other disturbances, such as chest pain.

Peanuts are a high-energy food containing an abundance of healthful fats, protein and fiber, as well as a wide array of vitamins and minerals. Your body digests peanuts with the same physical and enzymatic processes employed for other foods that contain a mixture of nutrients.

Naproxen sodium can temporarily reduce pain and lower your fever, but it can have serious gastrointestinal side effects. Naproxen is grouped with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs called NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

Stevia, a natural sweetener that serves as a non-calorie alternative to sugar, comes from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, which is native to Paraguay. Overuse of some alternate sweeteners might cause loose bowels and diarrhea in some, but that effect is not evident when using refined stevia.

A hiatal hernia can make mealtimes miserable. Hiatal hernia occurs when a small part of your stomach slides up into your chest through a weak spot, or hiatus, in your diaphragm.

Yogurt contains live beneficial bacteria called probiotics that help digestion and boost the immune system. In addition, calcium strengthens the muscle in your lower esophagus, helping to prevent acid reflux. Dannon Activia yogurt contains probiotics and is a good source of calcium.

Erosive esophagitis results from reflux of stomach acid up into the esophagus. The lining of the esophagus becomes inflamed and irritated. You may feel abdominal pain and burning that extends up into the mid-chest area. Following a bland diet can help minimize symptoms.

As a child or teenager, the mere though of vegetables probably made your stomach churn with discomfort. This mental aversion typically subsides with age as you begin to understand the importance of a healthy diet. However, some people actually experience physical discomfort after eating vegetables.