Myth or Fact

Folklore, old wives' tales, and rumors about the causes and treatments of digestive diseases sometimes may be accurate. Yet, can be dangerous if it keeps a person from correctly preventing or treating an illness. Through this article we will be listing some common misconceptions about digestive disorders, followed by the facts as doctors understand them today.

1. Spicy food and stress cause stomach ulcers.

Muth: Well, the truth is the majority of stomach ulcers are caused either by infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or by use of pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen which are also known as no steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The good news is that since we know the reason, patients are being managed appropriately, as most H. pylori-related ulcers can be cured with antibiotics as well as NSAID-induced ulcers that can be cured with stomach-protective medications, antacids, and avoidance of NSAIDs. However, spicy food and stress concept is not totally a myth as spicy food and stress (except when associated with extreme medical conditions) may aggravate ulcer symptoms but they do not cause ulcers.

2. Smoking a cigarette helps relieve heartburn

Myth: On the contrary, cigarette smoking increases heartburn. Heartburn occurs when the lower muscle between the esophagus and stomach relaxes so the acidic contents of the stomach would splash back (reflux) into the esophagus. People who smoke a lot often have inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis), most probably due to the fact that cigarette smoking causes this muscle to relax.

3. Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day.

Myth: How often you have a bowel movement varies, but a "normal" frequency ranges from as many as three bowel movements a day to about three a week.

4. Having constipation nothing can help except for a laxative.

Myth: Before turning to laxatives try these lifestyle changes which are proved to be really effective.
- Eat fiber-rich foods such as wheat bran, fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Drink plenty of fluids daily, stay hydrated.
- Exercise regularly, a 30 minute walk can really make a difference.

5. Any laxative can do the trick

Myth: Your medical history and other medications you're taking may limit your laxative alternatives. Laxatives can interact with antibiotics such as tetracycline, blood thinners such as warfarin, and certain heart and bone medications. Prior to using any laxative, read the label thoughtfully. If you're not sure if a particular laxative is the right choice, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

6. Pregnant and constipated laxative is the answer

Myth: Strong laxatives can be extremely harmful to you or your baby. Stimulant laxatives like castor oil or senna leaves can cause uterine contractions that may lead to abortion. If you've recently given birth, check with your doctor before using laxatives. Even though they're usually harmless to use during breast-feeding, some ingredients may pass into breast milk and cause diarrhea for the baby. Introducing fiber rich food to your diet plan is the most appropriate choice in this case like introducing broccoli to your food which is both tasty and healthy.

7. Habitual use of laxatives or enemas is harmless.

Myth: Frequent use of enemas and laxatives might complicate conditions as laxative use can be risky if constipation is caused by a serious condition, such as appendicitis or a bowel obstruction. Moreover, using a certain laxatives frequently for weeks or months can decrease the colon's natural ability to contract and in fact aggravate constipation leading to a very hard to treat constipation.