Today, an expert decodes digestion.
͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
|
|
| We talk about trusting our gut, feeling things in our gut, taking a gut punch, and this is closer to how things work than you might think. The digestive system has its own nerve network and exchanges messages with the brain throughout the day, suggesting that bloating, cramps, and off days contain useful information. The trick is telling an ordinary stomach grumble from something more serious. Gastroenterologist Dr. Salhab explains how to read yours, below. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Listen in,
Tim Snaith
Newsletter Editor, Healthline |
 |
|
Written by Tim Snaith
July 16, 2026 • 3 min read |
|
|
|
|
 |
| LET’S ASK THE GASTROENTEROLOGIST |
|
| Your gut’s daily signals, decoded |
| “The gut most commonly ‘speaks up’ with bloating, excess gas, abdominal cramping, changes in bowel habits … reflux or heartburn, early fullness, nausea, or a sense that your stomach is ‘off,’” says Dr. Salhab, a board-certified gastroenterologist. |
| Most of these flares are harmless and tied to short-term triggers like stress, travel, a run of ultra-processed meals, or starting a new medication. It’s useful to learn what is normal for you, then pay attention to what is new. |
| Some signals get waved off for too long. Dr. Salhab says people routinely downplay: |
- chronic bloating
- iron-deficiency anemia
- frequent “heartburn” that persists despite antacids
- unintentional weight changes
- new lactose or fructose intolerance
- stools that alternate between constipation and diarrhea
|
| He reminds us that trouble outside the gut can count too, since recurrent mouth ulcers, joint pain, or skin rashes alongside digestive symptoms can point toward inflammatory bowel disease. “A sudden need to locate bathrooms everywhere you go. That change in confidence can be diagnostic.” |
| A “gut feeling,” Dr. Salhab explains, draws on “the enteric nervous system, the vagus nerve, immune signals, hormones, and the microbiome … constantly messaging the brain in a two-way conversation.” It is a genuine gut-brain loop, two “teammates on a live intercom,” which is why stress can knot the stomach and why a calmer gut can steady your mood and help you maintain energy. |
| A few signals mean you should book an appointment: |
- bleeding
- black stools
- unexplained weight loss
- persistent vomiting
- anemia, fever
- nighttime symptoms
- trouble swallowing
- anything that lingers for weeks rather than days
|
| Dr. Salhab’s rule of thumb travels well: “Stay curious, stay consistent, and seek care when something feels off.” |
|
|
| Want to learn more about food, diets, cooking, or some other nutrition subject? Let us know at nutritionedition@healthline.com and we’ll look into it for you! (Heads up, we may use your response in an upcoming newsletter.) |
RECIPE PICKGrilled Peaches with Prosciutto and BasilThe perfect summertime snack! Peaches are packed with antioxidants, and each serving contains only 235 calories.GET THE RECIPE →
|
|
|
|
| What we’re digesting |
| 🧫 What to eat, and skip, when you’ve got C. diff. The strains worth a place on your shelf. |
| ⚖️ Can a pill really fix your pH balance? What the probiotics do, and where the evidence still thins out. |
| 🍽️ What to put on your plate while you’re on Wegovy. Lean protein, fiber, and whole foods to work with the medication, not against it. |
| 🏥 What to know about breast reconstruction. How surgeons minimize cosmetic changes to the breast after lumpectomy. |
|
| Until next time, |
 |
Take care of yourself, and we’ll see
you again soon! |
|
|
| |
 |
| This edition was powered by |
| pineapple juice with ice.️ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
View in browser
Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here.
To see all newsletters, click here.
Privacy | Unsubscribe
We may feature your messages to our inbox within our content. Please do not provide any personal identifiable information. Replies may be edited for length and clarity. For more, see our Privacy Policy.
Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.
Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline’s or Optum Now’s vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health.
© 2026 RVO Health
1101 Red Ventures Drive
Fort Mill, SC 29707 |
|
|
 |
|
