The gastrointestinal (GI) tract, commonly called the digestive system, is the network of the critical digestive organs, including- the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum, and anus. The other organs linked with this system are- the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. This complex network of organs begins its work as we start chewing the food- it breaks down the food to extract the nutrients, minerals, and vitamins and discard the waste. Though the GI system is so critical, the issues with it are usually taken as ‘just a bit of discomfort.’ According to the team of gastroenterologists at Nanavati Max Hospital, which comprises the best gastroenterologists in Mumbai, any irregularities in the GI system or the gut health can lead to serious damage, even death in some cases.
Why is good gut health important?
Gut health is directly associate with the immune system, mental health, well-being of the endocrine system, skin-related issues, and even cancer. So, you might have heard of the term, ‘gut microbiome’ which refers to the 300 to 500 species of bacteria that are in the intestines or the gut. Most of these are beneficial and much require for an overall healthy body. As a result, when gut health suffers, it can result in depression, obesity, constipation, chronic diarrhea, peptic ulcers, gallstones, liver diseases, etc.
When there is the right balance in gut health, it leads to a positive impact on the overall physical, mental, emotional well-being of the human body as well as immunity.
How to improve gut health?
There are various ways to enhance and maintain overall gut health.
Having a balanced, well-rounded diet
A rich, balanced diet with probiotics, prebiotics, and polyphenols shall help. Ferment foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, kombucha, etc., are rich in probiotics, and asparagus, bananas, chicory, garlic, onions, and whole grains are rich in prebiotics. As a result, along with this, lots of veggies, legumes, beans, and fruits- fiber-rich food that is easy for digestion and aids the growth of good gut bacteria.
Cut down on sugars, sweeteners.
Processed sugars and artificial sweeteners lead to dysbiosis. According to some of the best gastroenterologists in Mumbai who have been involved in comprehensive research and treatment for gastrointestinal diseases, the consumption of a sugar-rich diet is a major cause of metabolic diseases. In addition, these diseases, in turn, lead to diabetes and heart diseases. One simple step of cutting down on sugars and sweeteners.
Work consciously on reducing stress
Stress, whether it be psychological or induced by environmental factors like noise, weather, disruption of sleep cycle, impact gut health negatively. Include activities like meditation, yoga, muscle relaxation, regular exercise, sleeping well (at least 7 hours), including hobbies in the routine. This, along with eating a healthy diet, helps in stress reduction.
Avoid smoking
Smoking increases the potentially harmful microbes in the gut and reduces the beneficial ones. In addition, it increases the risk of cancer, heart, and lung diseases and might also lead to inflammatory bowel disease. The gastrointestinal (GI) plot, regularly called the stomach-related framework, is the organization of the basic stomach-related organs, including the mouth, throat, stomach, little and digestive organs, rectum, and butt. Different organs connecting with this framework are-the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. This intricate organization of organs starts its work as we begin biting the food-it separates the food to extricate the supplements, minerals, and nutrients and discard the waste.
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated directly benefits the mucosal lining of the intestines and aids in generating good bacteria in the gut. Staying hydrated is an effective way to ensure a healthy gut.
Besides the above-mentioned points, one shall take responsibility for one’s body one’s health. Conscious lifestyle choices go a long way with appropriate medical care. Also, check other blogs
