Internal Medicine

The fact that stress affects the stomach or that we sometimes get butterflies in our stomachs is not just a figure of speech. In fact, the brain and the gut are in constant communication via the gut-brain axis. Nerves, hormones, the immune system and gut flora all play a part in this. Researchers are increasingly investigating how this connection can influence mood, stress and mental health. In this article, you’ll learn how the ‘second brain’ in your tummy works and how you can boost your mental wellbeing through your diet.

Silent inflammation does not cause pain, nor does it manifest as redness or tenderness. This is why it often goes unnoticed. Nevertheless, this so-called ‘silent inflammation’ can take a toll on the body in the long term and is linked to conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s. In this article, you’ll find out what role diet, stress and lifestyle play in this, and what you can do yourself to prevent chronic inflammation.

A short night’s sleep often takes its toll as early as the following day. Fatigue, difficulty concentrating and irritability are among the most common consequences. In fact, however, it is not only the brain that reacts to a lack of sleep. The heart, metabolism, immune system and hormonal balance also change when the body does not have enough time to recover. If a lack of sleep persists over a longer period, this can increase the risk of various health conditions. In this article, you’ll find out why sleep is so important for health and what effects a lack of sleep has on the body.

Almost everyone experiences problems with haemorrhoids (haemorrhoidal disease) at some point in their lives. Women and men are affected in roughly equal measure. Many people feel embarrassed about symptoms in the anal area and are reluctant to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis. However, timely treatment can prevent unnecessary pain and stop the condition from getting worse.

Triglycerides are important energy stores in the body. They are absorbed from food and also produced by the body itself. If triglyceride levels in the blood are too high, this can increase the risk of certain conditions. Here you can find out what might cause elevated triglyceride levels, what they mean and what can be done to lower them.