The Medical Advisor

Sourdough is the oldest form of leavened bread, dating back to at least 2000 B.C. when ancient Egyptians likely discovered it by accident. Wild yeast and bacteria may have drifted into dough left out to rest, triggering fermentation. The result? A naturally leavened bread with better flavor, texture, and—as we now know—several health benefits. The fermentation process enhances digestibility and boosts fiber content. Some people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity may find sourdough easier to tolerate since fermentation helps break down gluten proteins. However, not all sourdough is created equal—it’s important to choose traditional, long-fermented varieties to reap these benefits. Long-Fermented Sourdough Bread Sourdough bread is created using a two-step fermentation process. Flour is mixed with water and yeast and allowed to ferment. “Sourdough differs from store-bought bread primarily in its fermentation process,” Chantelle van der Merwe, a registered dietitian, told The Epoch Times. ...

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in the anus and lower rectum. They are similar to varicose veins and result from the stretching and pressure on the blood vessels, causing them to expand, thin, and bleed. Prolonged stretching leads to the vessels protruding. About one in 20 Americans have hemorrhoids, and they cause about 4 million office or emergency visits per year. Approximately 75 percent will experience hemorrhoidal symptoms at some point in their lives, and about half of people over 50 have them. The peak incidence occurs in both men and women between the ages of 45 and 65. The condition is the most common cause of rectal bleeding in the United States. What Are the Types of Hemorrhoids? There are several types of hemorrhoids, with the two main types being internal and external. You can have both external and internal hemorrhoids at the same time. Internal Internal hemorrhoids are found inside the anal canal and are typically painless, but they can...