Amoeba is a single cell organism/unicellular organism. Unicellular organisms, also known as eukaryotic organisms, are made of only one cell, which is unlike most organisms living on our planet. Amoebae are meant to thrive in extreme temperatures; therefore, they can be found in deep-sea hydrothermal vents, the dead sea, hot springs, salt evaporation ponds, and acid lakes. Although amoebae are single-cell organisms, they are useful to the soil ecosystem as they help recycle the nutrients in the soil. Additionally, amoebae act as a host to other bacteria, thereby keeping the bacteria population in active growth phases. All bacteria are important for our ecosystem to function properly, which makes amoeba an important form of bacteria too. Although amoeba is an important species, it can be detrimental to humans in some ways. Amoebiasis is one such condition that can be dangerous to humans. It is an infection that is caused by amoeba, which belongs to the Entamoeba group. It is also a common infection that affects the gastrointestinal tract, which often affects people who live in poor sanitation and socioeconomic status. Amoebiasis in people is mostly found in China, South West and East Asia, and Latin America as compared to the rest of the world.

A bunch of viruses, parasites, and bacteria are known to cause gastrointestinal infection. Diarrheal diseases are reported to be the cause of death for 1 in 9 children worldwide according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disease is reported to affect children more than malaria, AIDS, and measles combined. Symptoms of gastrointestinal infection Gastrointestinal infections usually last only for a few days. However, in some cases, they continue for as long as 14 days. The condition is marked by discomfort and abdominal cramps, further followed by diarrhea. Other symptoms of chronic gastrointestinal infection include vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, nausea, dehydration, muscle aches, headache, weight loss, and blood or mucus in stools. Causes of gastrointestinal infections There are three major causes of gastrointestinal infections, they are- bacterial, parasite, and viral. Bacterial E. coli- E. coli bacterias are found in the intestines of both humans as well as animals. Most strains of the e. coli are harmless. However, there are some harmful strains that secrete toxins which may cause bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Food that comes in contact with animal manure or contaminated water spread e. coli. It can also spread through human contact directly as well.

Here is what you need to know about an anal fissure A tear in the tissue lining of the anal canal is termed as an anal fissure. The tear and break in the tissue lining can cause severe pain resulting in bleeding when a person is having a bowel moment. A person suffering from anal fissure experiences blood in stools. An anal fissure can be both acute and chronic and can occur at any age. An acute anal fissure doesn’t need medical intervention and heals quickly as they are superficial. However, a chronic anal fissure does not heal for more than a month and tends to have deeper cuts, requiring medical attention. Causes There are a plethora of causes that can lead to anal fissure. Some of the common causes include: Chronic constipation and diarrhea can often tear the skin in and around the anal area. Straining during childbirth or bowel movements can also lead to episodes of an acute or chronic anal fissure. An anal fissure could also be the result of decreased blood flow to the anorectal area and overly tight or spastic anal sphincter muscles. It could also be a result of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as the Crohn’s disease.

Popular home remedies to treating diarrhea Diarrhea is a common type of gastrointestinal condition which causes excessive, frequent, and abnormal passing of watery stools. Symptoms lasting for a couple of days indicate acute diarrhea whereas week-long symptoms can be a case of chronic diarrhea. The most common causes of diarrhea include bacterial and viral infections, toxins, parasites, and food allergies. One of the major risks associated with diarrhea is dehydration as it makes the body lose a lot of water and minerals such as sodium. Acute diarrhea which lasts for a couple of days might be treated at home, but chronic diarrhea would need medical intervention. There are some home remedies and treatments that can help ease the symptoms of diarrhea. These include: Eat bowel-soothing foods that are easy to digest Eat light. Eating oily foods in excess makes it harder for the digestive system to process the food. Hence, it is advised to eat small amounts of food throughout the day. Opt for bland foods such as apples, bananas, whole grains, and rice for the first few days as they act as binding agents to firm up the watery stools. Studies have also shown that flaxseeds reduce the duration of diarrhea.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that affects the large intestine. The symptoms of IBS include everything from abdominal pain, gas and bloating to severe constipation and diarrhea. It can severely affect one’s daily routine as the symptoms in most cases are persistent in nature. One needs to know that there is no known cause of irritable bowel syndrome; however, there are multiple triggers that can result in health complications. A thorough diagnosis is necessary to identify the trigger for effective treatment. Alternatively, IBS is also manageable without extensive treatment by making changes to one’s diet and lifestyle to counter its effects. Here are a few easy ways to manage the known symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Identifying the trigger Insoluble fibers, gluten, dairy, fried foods, beans and legumes, caffeinated drinks, processed foods, sugar-free sweeteners, chocolate, garlic and onions, broccoli, cauliflower, and alcohol are among the common triggers of irritable bowel syndrome. Identifying the triggers will help one plan their diet and avoid such foods thus reducing the risk of IBS. Identifying food triggers will also help one assess tolerance levels to reduce or maintain consumption accordingly. One must consult with a nutritionist to ensure there is a proper balance of vital nutrients and minerals in the new diet to reduce the risk of nutrition deficiencies.

One of the most common health conditions that can be described as more of a constant irritation is heartburn. It is so common that it affects around 60 million people every month. Heartburn occurs when the stomach acids that are supposed to break down the food enter the esophagus. This occurs when the esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) that is responsible for carrying the food from the mouth to the stomach relaxes and allows the stomach acid to enter the esophagus. There are several foods that can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax and trigger the symptoms of heartburn. Heartburn is one of the main symptoms of acid reflux and is described as a painful, burning sensation that occurs in the lower chest area. Heartburn can be triggered by the foods you eat or can be collateral damage inflicted by a chronic condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). As heartburn inflicts a lot of discomforts, you need to acquaint yourself with several useful tips that will help you deal with the situation immediately. Some of the quick and easy ways of dealing with heartburn are as follows: Stand up straight Heartburn occurs when the stomach acid makes its way into the esophagus.

Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcer, are one of the most common types of mouth ulcers. They are open and painful sores that often occur on the inside of the lips or cheeks with yellow-white sores that are surrounded by inflamed soft tissue. Though canker sores only cause tingling pain, they can be accompanied by swollen lymph nodes, fever, and the feeling of being unwell in some cases. These sores are not contagious and don’t spread to the adjacent tissues either. They often take between one to three weeks to heal without any treatment; however, the pain caused by them often subsides in 7 to 10 days. Also, certain serious conditions of canker sores take up to six weeks to heal completely. Cause of canker sores Doctors have not yet found the exact cause of simple and complex canker sores as they have multiple triggers. Sometimes, it can be caused due to unhealthy stress or tissue injury. In some cases, simple canker sores can also be triggered by some foods that include citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables like lemons, oranges, apples, figs, strawberries. Additionally, a sharp tooth surface post a dental appliance like braces or ill-fitted dentures can also lead to canker sores.

Every part of the body has to perform a vital function that contributes to maintaining our overall health. There are certain external factors that affect the functioning of these organs and if left unchecked, they can cause gradual deterioration. One such condition that is known to affect 31 million people in the country and is the ninth leading cause of death is kidney disease. Kidney disease or chronic kidney disease is a condition that is characterized by the slow deterioration of the kidneys and gradual loss of kidney function. The kidneys are assigned the work of filtering wastes and excess fluids from the body which exit the body in the form of urine. Kidney disease impairs the kidney function and in advanced stages, the kidneys may stop working completely. The treatment for kidney disease depends on the underlying cause of the condition and usually involves different measures to control the signs and symptoms of the condition, reduce the complications that arise, and thereby, slow down the progression of the disease. The treatment options for kidney disease are as follows: Treating the cause Kidney disease is often collateral damage of other health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. So, in such cases, the treatment options usually focus on treating the underlying condition.

Gallstones are the hardened deposits of the digestive fluid that form in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ situated in the right side of the abdomen, just beneath the liver. It holds a digestive fluid called bile, which is released into the small intestine. From being as small as a grain of sand o being as large as a golf ball, gallstones range in a variety of sizes. While some people develop just one gallstone, others might develop multiple gallstones at the same time. There are two types of gallstones: Pigment gallstones – These are dark brown or black gallstones that form due to excessive bilirubin in the bile. Cholesterol gallstones – Appearing yellow in color, these are the most common type of gallstones that are composed mainly of undissolved cholesterol and other components. Symptoms Gallstones typically don’t exhibit any symptoms. However, if a gallstone is lodged in a duct, it might cause a blockage. The resulting symptom is rapid and sudden intensifying pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen and breastbone. The person might also experience pain in the back between the shoulder blades along with nausea and vomiting. Risk factors such as gender, age, lifestyle, obesity, diet, genetics, liver diseases, and hormone therapy drugs increase the risk of gallstones forming in the body.

The pancreas is responsible for producing and supplying enzymes that help digest food. However, in exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), the pancreas is unable to generate adequate amounts of enzymes that the body requires to break down food and absorb nutrients. This condition develops slowly, so one might not notice the symptoms right away. As the condition progresses, it triggers symptoms such as abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, feeling full, and foul-smelling stools. Additionally, one might experience weight loss and nutritional deficiencies because of the body’s inability to absorb the essential vitamins and minerals. Damage to the pancreas can lead to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. One of the common causes of EPI is chronic pancreatitis. This occurs when the enzymes created by the pancreas start functioning while they are still inside it instead of moving to the small intestine. The risk of chronic pancreatitis is amplified if one is into heavy drinking. However, immune system disorders, inflammation of the pancreatic passageways, and high amounts of triglycerides can also cause exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Likewise, surgery on the intestines, pancreas, or stomach, and inherited diseases like cystic fibrosis and Shwachman-Diamond syndrome can also contribute to the development of EPI. In rare cases, digestive disorders such as celiac and Crohn’s disease can also induce this disorder.