Digestive problems happen to all of us from time to time—an upset stomach, indigestion, gas, heartburn, constipation, or diarrhea. These can be caused by certain types of food, food contaminated with harmful bacteria, or flu or other short-term illness. Many digestive problems are not serious and don’t last long and most can be eased if you exercise, reduce your stress and eat the right diet. Some of the most common digestive problems are:

• heartburn or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
• IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)
• IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
• gallstones

However, some digestive problems need a little more than your over-the-counter remedies and sometimes, symptoms that persist can be a signal of serious illness like colon and ovarian cancer. If you experience a sudden but persistent change in your bowel movement pattern; bleeding during bowel movement; increasing episodes of heartburn, indigestion or other stomach pain; unexpected weight loss; or difficulty in swallowing, you should seek the advice of a medical professional.