Surgery Helps Tough-to-Treat Acid Reflux

THURSDAY, Oct. 17, 2019 -- For people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that doesn't respond to the usual treatments, a complex surgery may help, a new study finds.

In carefully selected patients, the surgery provided much more relief than two different types of medication treatment -- 67% for surgery compared to 28% for "active" drug treatment and 12% for the "control" (placebo) drug treatment.

High-Fiber Diet Tied to Lower Heart Risk in Diabetes Patients

FRIDAY, Oct. 4, 2019 -- A fiber-rich diet appears to help people with high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes in multiple ways, lowering their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, a new study suggests.

High blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes raise the risk for heart disease, and diet may help keep it at bay, researchers say.

Maker Halts Distribution of Generic Zantac Due to Possible Carcinogen

THURSDAY, Sept. 19, 2019 -- Novartis, the maker of a generic form of the popular heartburn drug Zantac, said Wednesday it will cease distribution of the medicine after investigations suggested that generic and branded versions contain a known carcinogen.

A distribution halt is not the same as a full recall, and it means that generic Zantac (ranitidine) remaining on store shelves can still be sold, CBS News reported.

Drink Coffee, Avoid Gallstones?

MONDAY, Sept. 9, 2019 -- To the many ways in which coffee seems to confer unexpected health benefits, add a lowered risk of painful gallstones.

After tracking nearly 105,000 Danes for an average of eight years, researchers found that those who downed more than six cups per day of the world's most popular beverage saw their gallstone risk drop by 23%.

More Antibiotics, Higher Odds for Colon Cancer?

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 21, 2019 -- Taking certain antibiotics -- especially multiple times or for long courses -- may put you at risk for colon cancer, a large new study suggests.

The researchers found that as people's antibiotic use increased, their odds of being diagnosed with colon cancer inched up. Specifically, the risk was tied to antibiotics that kill anaerobic bacteria -- which include common drugs like penicillins and cephalosporins such as Keflex.