Regular acid reflux may mean you have gastro-esophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD. Treatment for GERD includes lifestyle changes, medication or surgery.

Symptoms of GERD are heartburn and regurgitation. To treat symptoms, try changing your diet and avoid eating in the evening. Medications and surgery can help, but increase the risk of side effects or serious complications.

Most peptic ulcers are caused by an infection with a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. Use of painkillers can increase your risk of peptic ulcers. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, and treatments include lifestyle changes and medications.

The risk of enlarged hemorrhoids increases as you get older. Symptoms include bleeding, itching, mucus and burning at the anus. Treatment of hemorrhoids can range from a lifestyle or diet change to surgery.

Talk to your doctor if you have diarrhea for more than 48 hours, or if it is accompanied by a fever, bloody stool, intense pain, vomiting, or dehydration. Your doctor may recommend antibiotics or rehydration powders to treat your diarrhea.

Medications that reduce inflammation or suppress your immune system are common treatments for Crohn's disease. Lifestyle and diet changes may also help with symptom control and flare-ups. Try to eat low-fat foods, limit dairy products, eat small meals, drink lots of water, consider multivitamins, and avoid smoking.

More research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of marijuana and marijuana oil in people with active Crohn's disease.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is often difficult to treat. Treatments include: soluble fiber (eg. psyllium), peppermint oil capsules, probiotics, anti-cramping medications, medications for diarrhea/constipation, antibiotics, antidepressants and acupuncture. All have varying rates of success and side effects.

Signs of colon polyps include abdominal pain, blood in stool or a change in bathroom habits. It is important to get screened if you are at risk since some polyps can develop into colon cancer. Many polyps can be removed during screening.

Heartburn is a symptom of GERD. Treatments include lifestyle changes, medicine and surgery. This resource includes tips for lifestyle changes, including elevating your bed, avoiding certain foods and eating smaller meals. If lifestyle changes do not work, your doctor may recommend medication. Serious cases may require surgery.

Probiotics are good bacteria that help keep your digestive system healthy. They are available supplements and certain foods. Details in this resource about when to avoid taking probiotics, and considerations to ask your doctor.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your peptic ulcer. If tests show that you have an H. pylori infection, your doctor may recommend a combination of antibiotics and medication to help reduce stomach acid. Otherwise, acid blockers may be prescribed to reduce stomach acid and ulcer pain. If your ulcer does not heal, your doctor may recommend more tests to find another possible cause of your symptoms.

Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of your digestive tract. There is no known cure or single treatment that works for everyone. Diet changes can help improve symptoms (details in this resource).

Screening with tests such as the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and flexible sigmoidoscopy can detect bowel cancer early when it is easier to treat. Details about these tests in this resource.

Blood in your faeces (poop) can come from anywhere in the gut. Hemorrhoids are the most common cause of rectal bleeding. If you notice any bleeding or have black faeces, see a doctor. They will perform tests to find the cause.

People with lactose intolerance are unable to fully digest dairy products. Symptoms include gas, bloating, and diarrhea after eating these products. This resource includes information on the cause of lactose intolerance and how it is diagnosed.

Fecal incontinence (leaking feces or loss of bowel control) can be caused by muscle or nerve damage, constipation, or diarrhea. Treatments include diet changes, medications or surgery. See your doctor if you are having this issue. Try Kegel exercises and avoid caffeine, dairy, greasy or spicy foods.

Probiotics can help shorten episodes of diarrhea. It isn't clear whether different forms of probiotics (yogurt, capsules, powder) are more effective than others. Generally, probiotics are safe to take.

Squatting may help constipation. Use a stool to raise your feet and avoid straining while you are on the toilet. Other tips: drink plenty of water, avoid caffeine, eat more fibre, exercise and take your time on the toilet.

Treatment can often slow the progress of stomach cancer, and the earlier it is diagnosed, the better. Discuss treatment options with a specialist who knows your case.

Reduce the symptoms of enlarged hemorrhoids. Prevent constipation, relax and take your time on the toilet. Try a warm bath, ointment or a suppository.

Talk to your doctor about other options for severe enlarged hemorrhoids if treating the symptoms does not give you relief. Treatment options include sclerotherapy, rubber band ligation (banding), hemorrhoid removal and stapling.

Eating fiber helps reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease and eases digestive issues, such as constipation. Increase your fiber intake by eating whole fruits, whole grains, beans and raw vegetables.

Probiotics may help to keep your digestive system healthy. Prebiotics act as food for probiotics. There is some evidence that probiotics may help treat diarrhea, yeast infections and irritable bowel syndrome. More research is needed on the role that probiotics and prebiotics play in digestive health.