You’ve probably heard of the gut-brain connection. However, recent research has revealed that gut health can have an impact on your entire body. The gastrointestinal (digestive) system is the primary “portal” for nutrient intake and processing, but it also serves as a communication hub and disease fighter. A healthy gut influences everything from your nervous and immune systems to your mental health and digestive function. Gut health overall correlates with your general wellbeing, your bone and skin health & your power to fight infections.
Also known as the digestive tract or the gastrointestinal tract, the gut covers the parts of the body involved with food intake and output from top to bottom. The mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, colon and rectum are all included.
However, when we talk about gut health, we’re talking about the bacteria in the microbiome and most of the “microbiome magic” occurs in the large intestine. Our body has a symbiotic relationship with our microbiome. It consumes all of these microorganisms, digests them and then produces other compounds that our body can use. So, while some bacteria are harmful to our health and others are beneficial, both must exist and the right balance is maintained. The gut system is the largest endocrinological system too as it produces large amounts of substances that help in various functions and interactions. It ranges from fulfiling your satiety, making you happy, producing love hormones and preventing you from getting acne too !!!.
The bacteria in the gut help to break down food, turning it into nutrients your body can use. Your gut microbiome impacts both your physical and mental health as research has time and again shown that there is intrinsic relation between gut microbiome and immune system, sleep, cardiovascular system.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Many of the microbes in your gut are types of good bacteria that aid in digestion, nutrient absorption and other functions. However, when the bacteria in your gut become out of balance, you can develop a variety of gastrointestinal issues. Irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease are examples of these issues.
Gut bacteria affects the body’s metabolism and an imbalance in gut bacteria levels may increase the risk of diabetes and obesity. Researchers are investigating how gut signals affect metabolism and contribute to problematic health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes.
The brain and the gut are inextricably linked, which is why some people feel sick to their stomachs when stressed. The brain and the gut constantly communicate with one another. As a result, issues with your gut or gut bacteria can exacerbate anxiety, depression or stress. However, these types of conditions can also cause digestive issues. Some researchers believe that gut health has an impact on chronic pain, as well as mood and behaviour. Some experts, therefore, call the gut your second brain.
Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the gut microbiome, has been related to a number of health disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and even obesity. Optimal use of antibiotics is advised.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Also Read: How to Improve Digestion: Proven Techniques and Dietary Adjustments
Researchers have discovered that eating foods like eggs and red meat is bad for our digestive tract. Certain gut bacteria convert the nutrient choline into a dangerous substance known as trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). Unfortunately, elevated TMAO levels can increase the risk of stroke, blood pressure, blood clots and other conditions.
By communicating with immune system cells, the gut helps to build and boost the body’s immune system, as well as protect against infection. A study discovered that a baby’s gut bacteria differ depending on whether they are breastfed or formula-fed and that these bacteria can affect their immunity. Breastfed babies have healthy gut microbiota and may be more resistant to certain health conditions. Researchers believe there is a link between a healthy infant’s gut microbiota and the ability to protect against diseases such as obesity and diabetes later in life.
Skin and gut microbiota are interrelated. Various diseases usually occur due to poor gut health. Some diseases like acne, dandruff and rosacea are due to direct dietary habits like increased consumption of sugar, red meat, alcohol and unhealthy fats. While certain other diseases are due to leaky gut. For Example- atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, dermatitis herpetiformis and gluten sensitivity.
Chronic inflammatory diseases are often supposed to be initiated due to abnormal microbes present in the guts. This often results in an increased inflammatory state of the body and more prone to acquiring rheumatoid arthritis and low bone density in form of osteoporosis. There are ongoing studies, in which probiotics can help absorb calcium better and promote bone-forming cells.
Gut microbes can affect your fertility status. Indeed, new studies have revealed how poor gut health can cause an estrogen imbalance, which may lead to infertility issues ranging from endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome to testicular dysfunction. That is, it may affect both males and females.
There are scientific studies that show how a leaky gut may prone an individual to develop dry eye, Uveitis and Glaucoma.
By consuming a good variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, including nuts, seeds, whole grains and legumes in the diet one can improve the overall health of the gut to a great extent. It has also been proved that Antibiotics can wipe out good and bad bacteria from our bodies. Therefore, reducing the consumption of antibiotics and taking more pre and probiotics, can help maintain a healthy gut. Making small changes to our diets can have a big impact in the long run. Certain foods that you can take daily and are excellent probiotics are curd, greek yoghurt, buttermilk, lassi, overnight soaked rice with its water, smoothies, onions, whole wheat, cottage cheese, garlic, apple, soy milk etc.
Eat right to stay fit. Now that you know how important is your gut health, be mindful of keeping it healthy.
Also Read: What Is Leaky Gut: Exploring the Facts and Debunking the Myths
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
We as humans always are living in a dynamic atmosphere. Our diet, weather, routines, and a multitude of other factors change on a regular basis. Likewise, the microbial content of even an otherwise healthy person’s gut can be affected by changes in the environment or season. This is more so in monsoon when the dampness in the weather hugely increases the disease-causing microbes.
Paradoxically, the gut enzymes activity is lesser in the wet season than in summers, thus affecting the process of digestion. This may lead to indigestion and cause sluggishness.
Also Read: Benefits of Colostrum: A Deep-Dive Into its Health-Boosting Properties
It is therefore essential to pay heed to what we eat.
Children are vulnerable in the monsoons and often fall prey to infections and viruses. Here are simple tips to keep your children healthy this season! Monsoons also wreak havoc on one’s skin, but you can avoid them. Learn how here. If you have waded through floodwater, learn how to prevent leptospirosis.
Happy and healthy monsoon!
Also Read: What Is Leaky Gut: Exploring the Facts and Debunking the Myths
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Stomach bloating is a common phenomenon that many of us are experiencing these days. With doctors attributing this condition to stress, improper diet and harmful exposure to various pollutants, the situation gets out of hand when the bloating is accompanied by gastric pain or indigestion.
Stomach bloating is different from fat accumulation around the stomach area; it’s, in fact, the build-up of gas around the stomach area that makes it protrude out uncomfortably. Most of the time, this uncomfortable feeling can be handled by bringing out small modifications to one’s lifestyle and eating habits.
If the bloating occurs along with any of the below-mentioned symptoms then its time you raise some alarm bells:
When the body is affected by an infection, the inflammation levels rise and the white blood cell count goes up to around the urinary, abdominal and pelvic organs. This condition could also give rise to rashes, redness, pain and show signs of fever.
When the body is dehydrated, it causes an electrolyte imbalance. To recover and to prevent the reoccurrence of dehydration, the body starts to hold the excess water. During this time, some people also experience constipation. Now, when you try to up your fluid intake, you start to entirely bulky around your midsection.
Many women experience bloating before, during or after their monthly cycle. During the early stage of the menstrual cycle, the estrogen levels rise. The uterine lining thickens, thus, bloating becomes evident as ovulation occurs and more fluids and blood build-up. Once the lady has her period, the excess fluid, blood and tissue are flushed out and the bloating slowly disappears.
Many times, food allergies also cause bloating. Many food items are known to cause excessive gas in the body such as milk and dairy products, prunes, beans and lentils, starchy foods like potatoes and pasta, etc.
Dyspepsia is a common clinical problem seen both by primary care physicians and gastroenterologists. Initial evaluation should focus on the identification and treatment of potential causes of symptoms such as GERD, PUD, and medication side effects but also on recognizing those at risk of more serious conditions such as gastric cancer.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
There are a handful of good foods that you can incorporate into your diet to prevent bloating. Some of these are:
Probiotics or healthy bacteria don’t need much of an introduction. These gut-friendly bacteria help to kill the harmful bacteria and keep the healthy ones active. So, make it a point to include yoghurt or kefir as a part of your regular diet.
Another effective way to curb stomach bloating is to include healthy proportions of water-rich fruits and veggies in our diet. Thus, try eating lots of melons, cucumber, berries and green leafy vegetables.
A quick way to bid goodbye to bloating is to up the intake of digestion-soothing herbs such as ginger, fennel seeds, parsley and rosemary.
Bloating accompanied by severe abdominal pain in the back, loin or groin and infrequent episodes of nausea and vomiting might be indicative of Kidney stones.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
