Internal haemorrhoids are a very common health issue – in fact, most people will experience haemorrhoids at some point in their lives. Unlike external haemorrhoids, which form under the skin around the anus and often cause sharp pain, internal haemorrhoids develop inside the rectum and tend to be more subtle. Because internal haemorrhoids usually don’t hurt, many people overlook their early warning signs. This article explains what internal haemorrhoids are and highlights the often-ignored signs and symptoms, so you know when your body is sending you a red flag. What Are Internal Haemorrhoids? Haemorrhoids (also known as piles) are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus. Internal haemorrhoids are located inside the rectum, meaning you typically can’t see or feel them, and they rarely cause discomfort at first. Straining during bowel movements or other pressure on these veins can cause the internal haemorrhoid to swell and lead to symptoms. Because the r...

  The gallbladder may be a small, pear-shaped organ tucked under your liver, but it can have a big impact on your digestive health. Many people don’t give their gallbladder much thought – until it starts causing trouble (hello, gallstones!). Whether you’re curious about what this organ does or want to avoid gallbladder problems, here are 10 surprising facts about the gallbladder you need to know. 1. The Gallbladder Is Your Fat-Digesting Sidekick Your gallbladder’s main job is to store and concentrate bile , a digestive fluid made by the liver. Think of bile as a soapy liquid that helps break down fats from the foods you eat. Whenever you enjoy a cheeseburger or a bowl of ice cream, your gallbladder jumps into action: it squeezes bile into your small intestine to emulsify (blend) fats so they can be absorbed. In a sense, the gallbladder is a little reservoir that makes fat digestion more efficient. Without it, you can still digest fats, but bile drips continuously from the live...