Foods to Enjoy and Avoid for GLP-1 Heartburn

GLP-1 heartburn can be uncomfortable, but knowing what to eat helps. Weight loss experts from the Complete Weight Management Program share their top tips for foods to enjoy and avoid while on GLP-1 medications.

Updated November 03, 2025

Share on LinkedIn

Share on Twitter

Share on Facebook

Email Link

Copy Link

By Emeka Acholonu, MD, Bariatric Surgeon, Virtua Complete Weight Management Program

GLP-1 medications are an effective tool for weight management, but many patients experience uncomfortable side effects like heartburn. Making mindful food choices can help you enjoy your meals without discomfort.

Experts with our Complete Weight Management Program – obesity medicine physician, Dr. Emeka Acholonu, and program coordinator Nicolette Quick – share their favorite foods to enjoy and which to avoid while taking GLP-1 medications:

Foods to Enjoy While Taking GLP-1 Medication:

Brown rice:
A gentle, fiber-rich option that’s easy on the stomach.
Greek yogurt:
Protein-packed and soothing for digestion.
Grilled chicken:
Lean and low in fat, reducing heartburn risk.
Tuna:
Light, nutritious, and easy to pair with mild seasonings.

Foods to Avoid While Taking GLP-1 Medication:

Burgers:
High in fat, which can trigger heartburn.
Fried chicken:
Greasy foods worsen digestive discomfort.
Pizza:
Fatty cheeses and sauces can aggravate symptoms.
Energy drinks:
Acidic and highly caffeinated drinks can intensify heartburn.

Following these simple tips can help you stay on track with your weight loss goals while minimizing discomfort.

Take the Next Step in your Weight-Loss Journey with Virtua Health:

If you’re considering GLP-1 medications or want personalized guidance on weight management, our Complete Weight Management Program is here to help. Connect with our team of experts today to learn more and schedule a consultation.

There's So Much More to Explore

Discover expert insights, inspiring stories, health tips, and more by exploring the content below!

Male senior citizen sitting on couch, holding hand to mouth and coughing

5 Types of Lung Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention Tips

Respiratory disease makes every breath a difficult challenge – even more difficult than the effort it takes to quit smoking. Learn the top lung conditions caused by smoking and how to protect your health.

Still image of YouTube short, showing a male and a female with overlay text "Burgers" "Enjoy" and "Avoid"

Foods to Enjoy and Avoid for GLP-1 Heartburn

A couple shown in a bed, with only legs visible and their feet poking out from under blankets

Sexual Health FAQs: The Questions Everyone’s Too Embarrassed to Ask

From birth control myths to questions about sexual health, we answer the most common sex questions people are too embarrassed to ask — with real, expert-backed answers.

Is the Gurgle in Your Gut Telling You Something?

Is stomach pain or gas hitting you at the worst possible times? While you can’t always control your body’s response, these expert tips can help you find relief and manage GI issues.

3 Reasons Why Now's the Time to Find Relief From Varicose Veins

If you have varicose veins, the season to wear shorts and swimsuits can bring pain and embarrassment. Here are some tips to provide relief, and when you might want to undergo a medical procedure so your legs can be ready for next summer.

Virtua male breast cancer patient shown in baseball field wearing a baseball uniform

Baseball Coach Turns Male Breast Cancer Surprise into Personal Mission

Juan Namnun discovered a lump in his chest by chance. Now he's raising awareness of a disease most men never think about—male breast cancer.

The Brain Health Checklist: 11 Questions Everyone Should Ask

With 100 billion neurons, our brains make us who we are. Are you properly protecting yours from stroke, cognitive impairment, and other problems? Ask yourself these questions to find out.

Virtua patient Teresa walks with her dog on a leash in her yard

From Caregiver to Patient: Robotic Surgery Relieves Teresa's Knee Pain

The wear and tear on Teresa's knees after 40 years of nursing made just walking painful. Knee replacement surgery performed with robotic-assisted technology has her back on the move.

Two female senior citizens wearing athletic clothing and jogging up a set of outdoor stairs

Signs of Lung Disease: What Shortness of Breath Could Mean

If you have trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or a long-lasting cough, you could have a respiratory disorder that needs medical attention. Learn the key signs and prevention tips.

Young man and woman walking on a paved path. The path is lined with trees that have turned yellow in the fall.

How to Get and Stay Healthy This Fall

As the weather turns cooler, it can be difficult to keep up your wellness habits. Here are some tips on how to keep a healthy routine.

How to Reverse Prediabetes and Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

A prediabetes diagnosis is a serious warning that you're at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Learn how diet and exercise changes can help reverse it.

group of children in Halloween costumes smiling and holding pumpkin-shaped candy buckets while trick-or-treating at night.

4 Sweet Halloween Tricks for Grown Ups Who have Diabetes

Halloween brings trick-or-treating and sacks full of candy. If you have diabetes, these tricks can help you enjoy a spooktacular holiday without scary spikes in blood sugar.

Woman smiling outdoors while walking and holding red hand weights during exercise in a sunny park

6 Ways to Get More Out of Your Daily Walk

Have you been getting out every day for a walk, but feel ready to step it up with new challenges or change it up with some variety? Here are a few ideas to boost your next walk.

friends at a restaurant laughing and being social

Social Tips for Introverts: Finding Connection While Preserving Your Energy

How to be social as an introvert: simple ways to build connections, protect your energy, and improve your mental health through socializing.

Group of doctors, nurses, radiation oncologists, and a young breast cancer survivor in lobby at the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Proton Therapy Center

Young Breast-Cancer Survivor Has New Hope for Healthy Future

Kyersten Corda was just 31 when she felt a lump in her breast. Comprehensive treatment with the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program, including proton therapy, has allowed Kyersten to reclaim her active life.

Man wearing gloves and putting bread into a paper bag at a bagel shop

HeartTalk Magazine

HeartTalk magazine helps you stay well through a focus on living a healthy lifestyle, with the latest expert advice on preventing and managing heart disease and much more.

Mother holding male toddler, smiling at father who is giving female toddler a piggy-back ride, outdoors in their driveway

Is Cancer Hereditary? What You Need to Know About Your Genetic Risks

Worried cancer runs in your family? Discover who should consider genetic counseling and testing, and learn what the results can mean for you.

Closeup shot of Virtua patient and runner Tara, pictured holding her Philadelphia half-marathon badge

Tara's Story: From Debilitating Uterine Fibroid Pain to a Half-Marathon Medal

Done with severe pain, Tara R. of Philadelphia crossed the bridge into NJ for a new fibroid treatment. Soon after, she crossed the finish line in a half-marathon.

Woman with post-pregnancy belly holding newborn next to a crib in the baby's nursery

Is Your Post-Pregnancy Belly Bulge a Sign of Diastasis Recti?

If you had a baby months ago and have a post-pregnancy belly bulge that won't go away, it could be a sign of diastasis recti—a separation of your abdominal muscles. See how it's treated.

Woman at farm stand, smiling, holding broccoli and accepting lettuce from an unseen person at the stand

Fall Vegetables: The Health Benefits and Recipes to Try This Season

Discover the health benefits of fall vegetables—plus easy, delicious recipe inspiration to enjoy seasonal produce and boost your nutrition this autumn.

Woman looking in her fridge for a midnight snack

How to Curb Nighttime Snack Cravings

Are Netflix and snacks your nightly routine? Try the following simple strategies to avoid the nighttime TV-watching snack attack.

Woman is hugging her female friend from behind her chair; they are at a dinner table with friends and a glass of wine is on the table

IBS and Alcohol: Can You Still Enjoy a Drink?

Does alcohol trigger your IBS symptoms? Learn how alcohol affects irritable bowel syndrome and how you can manage your symptoms while still enjoying a drink.

A male weight loss patient in a living room at home

Focus on Mental Health Is Key Part of Andrew's Weight-Loss Journey

Mindset and lifestyle changes, coupled with bariatric surgery, have helped Andrew meet his weight-loss goals.

Woman wearing sunglasses and reading a book while relaxing in a hammock with a brown dog

What You Need to Know About Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a brain condition caused by nerve cells sending wrong signals. Treatments are available to reduce seizures and other symptoms.

Woman sitting on a stone ledge in a park setting with trees behind her

'Feeling Joy Again': ECT Brain Stimulation Therapy Restores Ashley's Well-Being

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) helped relieve Ashley's bipolar depression so she can enjoy life again.

A mother and young daughter smile as another woman examines produce at a farmers market

3 South Jersey Farmers Markets You Must Visit This Fall

Did you know New Jersey is home to more than 100 farmers markets stretching across 21 counties? If you’re looking to explore some of the best South Jersey farmers markets before the season ends, here are three local favorites you won’t want to miss.

Two women smiling at a coffee shop, one is holding a cup of coffee

Not Just for Wrinkles: Botox Injections Promote Improved Bladder Control

Can't go to the movies or be with friends because you're always looking for a bathroom? Botox injections may be the answer for urinary incontinence.

Two women and a man in their 20s, walking on the beach with a picnic basket, blankets and a cooler

Easy, Healthy Lunch Ideas for the Beach

Easy, healthy beach and poolside lunch ideas that pack well, taste great cold, and keep you fueled—without the sand or soggy sandwiches.

A male in his 30s drinks from a water bottle on a sunny day, with trees in the background

How to Stay Cool and Prevent Heat Illness All Summer Long

When the temperature hits 90 and stays there for days, it’s important to take precautions to stay cool. These tips can help you and your loved ones stay safe in a heat wave.

woman laying in bed covered with blanket and hugging pillow

What Happens to Your Body When You Don't Get Enough Sleep?

Wondering how your body copes with a lack of sleep? Read more to find out and pick up tips for a better night's sleep from a Virtua Health pulmonologist.

Dr. Graeme Williams, Radiation Oncologist and Director of the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Proton Therapy Center

5 Key Facts About Proton Therapy for Cancer Treatment

Proton therapy is a precise, advanced treatment that targets cancer and nothing else. Learn why it’s a breakthrough in radiation therapy.

Man in his late 30s with hair in a bun, slightly smiling, looking out a window from inside an apartment

Mood Swings vs. Mood Disorders: Know the Signs and Get Help

Are emotional ups and downs disrupting daily life? Learn common signs of mood disorders, and when to talk to a doctor about diagnosis and treatment options.

Woman doing hip bridge exercises on a yoga mat in her living room

4 Foolproof Pelvic Floor Strengthening Exercises for Women

When you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, you gain benefits like better bladder control, decreased pelvic pain, and more pleasurable sex. Try these 4 simple exercises.

Mid-40s woman relaxing on outdoor couch with her dog

What to Expect During Perimenopause

Discover what to expect during perimenopause—from hot flashes to mood changes—and how to manage symptoms and stay healthy through your 40s and beyond.

Man carrying daughter on his shoulders woman, and other young daughter walking along a trail with high grass and shrubbery on either side of them.

Protect Yourself From Tick Bites and Lyme Disease

From 2019 to 2022, New Jersey had more than 16,000 reported cases of tick-borne disease. Learn about symptoms and how to prevent and treat tick bites.

Young woman sitting outside eating a fruit salad

5 Light and Healthy Recipes Perfect for Spring

Discover easy and healthy spring recipes perfect for meal prep, light dinners, and seasonal eating. From spring salads to veggie-packed frittatas, enjoy fresh, flavorful meals made with in-season ingredients.

Woman wearing glasses, outside in nature, holding a tissue to her nose and sneezing

6 Tips to Tame Your Spring Allergies

For many of us, spring is the season of sneezing, coughing, sore throat, itchy throat, and watery eyes. Here are steps you can take to minimize your allergy suffering.

Middle aged woman smiling while playing guitar

Do You Know the Signs and Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous uterine tumors that affect millions of women, causing life-altering symptoms. Learn more about the signs and diagnosis.

How Are Uterine Fibroids Treated?

Several uterine fibroid treatment options can get you back to living your life without pain and inconvenience. Learn how you can determine the best treatment for you.

Older woman looking out a window and enjoying a cup of coffee

Is an At-Home Colon Cancer Test a Good Alternative to a Colonoscopy?

Over age 45? Here’s what you need to know about colonoscopies and how they compare to non-invasive colorectal cancer screening tests.

How Do You Manage the Side Effects of Weight-Loss Medications?

Weight-loss medications, like Zepbound or Wegovy, are effective tools for managing obesity, but they can have side effects. These tips can help you avoid issues.

young woman running on a path in front of a building

Which Weight-Loss Option is Best for Me?

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is not the same for everyone. Our Complete Weight Management Program offers choices and support to achieve your weight-loss goals.

Woman in living room stretching and bending to the side with her arms over her head

A Woman’s Four-Step Guide to Fight Back on Back Pain

As women, we carry the weight of so many life stressors – and you don’t have to let back pain be one of them. Fight back with this four-step guide.

older woman sitting on an exam table discussing wrist pain with her doctor

What You Need To Know About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive stress injury affecting 4 to 10 million Americans. Hand surgeon Eric D. Strauss, MD, answers your top questions about the condition.

middle-aged woman meditating and doing yoga at home

The Truth About Menopause, Weight Gain, and Belly Fat

Women expect hot flashes with menopause. But, weight gain is the least popular AND least expected side effect of this hormonal shift. Here's what you can do.

middle aged women looking out the window and contemplating

Shedding Light on Lesser-Known Menopause Symptoms and Solutions

Menopause symptoms go far beyond hot flashes and night sweats. The lesser-discussed symptoms are real and disruptive to your life. But bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may provide relief.

middle aged couple smiling and sitting in the park

Debunking The Myths About Vaginal Dryness

If vaginal dryness is negatively affecting your sex life, you're not alone. Check out this expert advice on how to treat this incredibly common condition.

Inside Look at Blood Vessels Aids PAD Treatment

A new treatment for peripheral vascular disease that gives doctors a real-time, inside view of your blood vessels has given Daniel Spillane a leg up on enjoying life.

Denise Davis: Pay Attention to Your Heart Health

Denise Davis didn’t think she was at risk for heart disease. But after a heart attack and bypass surgery, she urges others to pay attention to their heart health.

four family members playing a game of cards together

What You Need To Know About Stroke Treatment

A stroke requires emergency medical attention. But did you know there's more than one type of stroke, and the one you have may determine your treatment?

Grandmother enjoying time on the beach with her grandson and family

10 Smart Ways to Manage Your Diabetes

Diabetes can be challenging to manage. Follow these 10 easy-to-understand strategies to positively impact your overall health and help you avoid complications.

young couple enjoying burgers and fries at home

What Causes Food Addiction And What Are The Signs

People with food addiction struggle every day with a loss of control or inability to stop eating certain foods. Understanding the causes and signs can help lower your risk.

walking to the bathroom during the night

Signs You May Have Chronic Kidney Disease

Socks leaving marks on your legs? Running to the bathroom more often? Don’t ignore it. You may have early-stage chronic kidney disease.

man taking a walk through the neighborhood wearing a winter coat and hat

5 Essential Winter Foot Care Tips When You Have Diabetes

If you have diabetes, foot care is especially important. What precautions do you need to prevent diabetes-related foot problems during the winter?

Virtua heart patient Justin surrounded by audio equipment

Sweet Music: Trust, Teamwork Save Justin from Heart Attack

Justin Fisher rarely gave his health much thought. But when tests revealed he had potentially life-threatening clots in three arteries, he was glad he had a team of caring doctors in his corner.

Complex Heart Surgery Nets James a Lifelong Friend

Jimmy Palma is a full-contact athlete, but a tear in his aorta nearly benched him for good. Thanks to heart surgery at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes, he’s back in the game.

middle aged man standing in his kitchen eating salad

Your 10-Point Plan to Avoid Winter Weight Gain

Have you had a tough time managing your weight and staying fit during the winter? Here’s how to avoid packing on extra pounds.

Kidney transplant patient working on a craft project at home

Hepatitis C Kidney Transplant a Blessing For Lee Manns

Hepatitis C organ transplantation can considerably shorten the wait time for a suitable donor. For former chaplain Lee Manns, the option has definitely been a blessing.

group of five Virtua Health doctor's in lab coats standing in front of robotic surgical equipment

7 Reasons Why You Want Your Surgeon to Be an Expert in Robotics

Smaller scars, less pain, and faster recovery – that’s the power of robotic-assisted surgery at Virtua Health. Learn why choosing robotic expertise is the future of care.

mother and father with two young children wearing Philadelphia Eagles jerseys while sitting on their couch

Colitis Symptoms Under Control, Jennifer Is ‘Living My Best Life’

Jennifer Lang’s life was ruled by her inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms. Thanks to the Virtua Crohn’s & Colitis Center, she’s back to cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles with husband and two children.

middle aged man taking a break from lifting weights at the gym

How Do I Care for a Wound that Won't Heal?

If you have diabetes or circulation problems, minor cuts and sores can turn into major problems. Here’s how our wound healing centers use advanced techniques to treat your nonhealing wounds.

Five Back Pain Risk Factors That You Should Know

Back pain is a common condition, but are you familiar with the most common risk factors that cause it? We've got five you should be aware of to support healthy back habits.

woman holding her lower back in pain while discussing with her doctor

Is My Back Pain Normal, or Is It Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which puts pressure on the nerves, leading to pain and discomfort. Anokhi Mehta, MD, Virtua pain medicine specialist, explains the symptoms and treatments available.

young doctor having a conversation with her patient in her office

Robotic Hernia Surgery Combines Innovative Techniques With Faster Recovery Times

Thanks to innovations in robotic technology, robotic-assisted hernia repairs can be performed through tiny incisions. The result is less overall tissue damage, less pain, and a faster recovery time.

woman looking at test results on a sheet of paper

How Does Breast Density Affect Your Mammogram?

The FDA now requires all U.S. mammogram centers to notify women about their breast density score. Here's what to know about breast density.

middle aged mother and daughter walking and laughing on the beach

Menopause: New Insights Into the Power of Hormone Replacement Therapy

One good thing we know about HRT for menopause treatment: Newer studies have shown it can offer numerous health benefits, including reduced risks for heart disease, osteoporosis, and breast cancer.

Middle-aged female wearing glasses and an orange t-shirt, sitting on a couch in a living room and examining the veins in her lower leg and ankle

Signs You Should Get Treated For Vein Problems

Painful, bulging veins in your legs are not just a cosmetic concern. They could be a sign of a more serious condition that requires treatment. Here’s what you need to know.

group of Virtua Health doctors in lab coats standing with father and mother holding a newborn baby

One New Heart Valve Saves Two Lives in the Tritten Family

A South Jersey woman needed a new heart valve while pregnant. Experts from Virtua Health performed the first-of-its-kind procedure—saving the lives of both mother and baby.

man smiling and laughing while driving a car with his wife in the passenger seat

What You Need to Know About Heart Failure

Heart failure can have some easy-to-miss symptoms, so when should you take note and see a doctor? Tolulope Agunbiade, MD, FACC, explores some common questions and answers.

Lung Valve Surgery Relieves COPD, Emphysema Symptoms

Virtua is the first health system in South Jersey to offer the Zephyr® endobronchial valve treatment, a minimally invasive procedure that uses tiny valves to direct air in and out of your lungs, improving your ability to breathe and enjoy life again.

couple wearing cowboy boots and cowboy hats standing on a dancefloor in a bar

Lung Screening, Robotic Technologies Get Pat Kicking Up Her Boots Again

New, leading-edge technology allowed Virtua experts to catch and treat Pat Vigneau’s lung cancer. Now, she’s back to enjoying life—cancer-free.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis Inspires Catherine to Help Others

The Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program provided complete treatment to help Catherine overcome breast cancer—and inspired her to assist others going through the journey.

woman sitting outside listening to headphones and working on a laptop

Jasmine’s On-Air and Pain-Free After Gallbladder Surgery

Jasmine Rodriguez’s abdominal pain would come out of the blue. Diagnosed with biliary dyskinesia, she trusted Virtua surgeon Jeffrey Emrich, DO, to remove her gallbladder and return her to the airwaves.

Senior couple enjoying coffee and sharing dessert

What is the 80/20 Diet Rule?

The 80/20 rule is a healthy, less-restrictive plan for eating that doesn't feel like a diet. See how it's more "real-life"—including healthy foods and indulgences in moderation.

man sitting on the sofa massaging his knee

When Should I See a Doctor About My Knee Pain?

Knee pain can make everyday tasks difficult. While not all knee pain is serious, Virtua orthopedic surgeon Scott Schoifet, MD, says some conditions do require attention from a health care provider.

Quick Action Leads to Jesse's Recovery From Stroke

A fast response by the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Neurosciences Program team allowed Jesse to survive a stroke—and to thrive afterward.

Middle aged man holding up a tablet and smiling while looking out the window

A Non-Athlete’s Guide to Shoulder Overuse Injuries

Shoulder problems aren’t limited to athletes. Virtua orthopedic surgeon Sean McMillan, DO, explains shoulder overuse injuries and prevention in this article.

Put Lower Back Pain Behind You With This Ten-Step Guide

Sudden injury or the wear and tear of aging are the most common causes of lower back pain. No matter the cause, here are 10 recommendations to relieve and prevent pain.

woman looking at x-rays of her hands with her doctor

Wide-Awake Hand Surgery Speeds Recovery, Puts Control in Patients' Hands

Hand surgeon Nathan Bodin, MD, introduces the benefits of wide-awake hand surgery, an innovative technique which minimizes postoperative pain and can speed your return to everyday activities.

smiling woman and man standing under a Kidney Transplants Save Lives sign

South Jersey Veteran Thrives After Cross-Country Kidney Donation

Jill Pinkelman and Budd Springer live 1,200 miles apart and had never met. Budd’s need for a new kidney brought them together.

young woman in athletic gear doing lunges outdoors

3 Ways to Avoid Knee Pain

Knee pain can get in the way of your favorite activities, making it difficult to keep up with an active lifestyle – so why not stop it before it starts? Here are three quick ways to fight back the most common causes of knee pain.

When Should I See a Doctor for My Hip Pain?

Hip pain limits mobility. While some pain may be relieved at home, Virtua orthopedic surgeon Rajesh Jain, MD, answers your questions about when you should seek professional treatment.

woman sitting in a chair and stretching her shoulder

When Should I See a Doctor About My Shoulder Pain?

Our shoulder gives us great range of motion, but also opportunity for pain. Virtua orthopedic surgeon Andrea Bowers, MD, answers your questions about treating shoulder pain.

Senior man holding his lower back in pain

Is My Back Pain Normal, or Is It Sciatica?

Do you just have a pulled muscle, or are you suffering from sciatica? Anokhi Mehta, MD, Virtua Pain Medicine Specialist, explores some frequently asked questions related to the condition, and what you can do about it.

woman holding her lower back while getting out of bed

Is My Back Pain Normal, or Is It a Herniated Disk?

Back pain can be caused by anything from strained muscles to sleeping in an awkward position—but when is it time to be concerned? Spine Surgeon James Sanfilippo, MD, explores answers to some common questions about herniated disks.

woman stretching her back while working from home on her laptop

When Is It Back Pain, and When Is It Something More?

Ever wondered if your back pain was caused by poor posture or a more serious condition? Pain Management specialist Benjamin Duckles, MD, has got your back with the answers to some common questions.

a group of happy senior friends kayaking on a lake

Watchman Heart Device: a Technological Breakthrough for Blood Clot Prevention

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a heart rhythm disorder that can increase chances of a stroke. Cardiologist Heath Saltzman, MD, discusses the Watchman device, an innovative medical implant for AFib that can save lives.

man making coffee at home in his kitchen

Albert's Emergency Cardiac Surgery Is a 'Story of a Lifetime'

Timely rescue and emergency aortic dissection surgery at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital saved Albert’s life.

middle aged man sitting on the couch stretching his back

What Can I Do Right Now About My Aching Back?

One in four American adults has lower back pain, and it's a top reason people visit the doctor. Eric Requa, DO, Virtua Sports Medicine Specialist, offers simple steps that may ease your pain without a doctor's visit.

young woman trying to sit comfortable while working with back pain

How Do I Get Rid of This Back Pain for Good?

The path to back pain relief isn't always clear, but the best first step is getting an accurate diagnosis. Learn what to do when at-home treatments no longer cut it.

young woman enjoying a healthy snack at a cafe

Can Your Gut Health Affect Your Heart?

A complex interplay between the bacteria that live in our intestines and the systems in our body can influence our risk for serious illnesses, including cardiovascular disease. Here's how to stay on track.

When Should I Be Worried About My Neck Pain?

Do you wake with neck pain, thinking you “slept wrong” or overdid your upper body workout? Thomas Plut, DO, Virtua Sports Medicine Physician, explains when to seek medical help for your neck pain.

Advanced Heart Failure Therapies Get Bernadine Back to Full Speed

Thanks to guideline-directed medical therapy, including an implanted device to regulate and synchronize her heartbeat, Bernadine heart function has returned to normal.

woman smiling at the camera while wearing a tiara and Miss New Jersey sash

Sarah Wins Back Her Health After Crohn's Disease Diagnosis

Sarah Campbell won the Mrs. New Jersey International 2021 title just months after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and undergoing bowel surgery.

young man with beard in baseball cap and plaid shirt smiling outside of a house

Overcoming Addiction, Philip Now Sees More Positive Side to Life

Virtua’s Medication for Addiction Therapy program provided the medical and behavioral therapy Philip needed to help him overcome his reliance on opioids.

Firefighter's Successful Lung Cancer Care at Virtua

Thankfully, Jerry paid attention to his lingering cough and as a result, got the expert care needed to treat his lung cancer.

A Lung Screening Put Teresa Back in the Race

Teresa Nocentino feared years of smoking had damaged her lungs. Virtua’s lung screening program caught Teresa’s cancer, helping her get it treated and back in the race.

couple holding hands and walking their dog through the neighborhood

A Breast Self-Exam Saved Kristen's Life

When Kristen Davidson found a lump in her left breast, she immediately called her doctor. Her quick action and the efforts of the Penn Medicine | Virtua Cancer Program team led to successful treatment.

young woman drinking a cup of tea and looking out the window

Early Treatment is Best to Relieve Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Hemorrhoids are a problem not many want to discuss. Some may even avoid seeking professional help because of embarrassment. Learn about the treatments.

serving a bowl of rice and green vegetables with chopsticks

The Top 10 Foods For A Healthy Diabetes Diet

A healthy diabetes diet contains a variety of foods that help regulate blood sugar, boost metabolism and keep your hunger in check. Here are the 10 best foods to try.

woman having a consultation with her doctor

Keeping the Beat: Advanced Heart Surgery for Aortic Aneurysm

A problem with your aortic root can disrupt the flow of blood throughout your body, leading to shortness of breath, chest pain, and more. Virtua cardiothoracic surgeons are among the few specialists in the region performing valve-sparing aortic root replacement.