The moment we were born, we were exposed to these microorganisms when we passed through our mother’s birth canals, and later, when we started drinking the milk from our mothers’ breasts.
So, having all these microorganisms is perfectly normal and natural, and in fact, promotes homeostasis in our bodies.
As we start to grow into adulthood, we begin to amass a large collection of microorganisms in our gut, specifically from the food that we eat. Some are good for our bodies, or are beneficial, while some are not, or are pathogenic.
There isn’t much research yet on what causes an imbalance in the gut, but numerous studies in the past two decades do point one crucial fact: gut health is no longer just associated with the health of our digestive systems. It is linked to so much more — to our immune system, mood, mental health, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders, skin conditions, and cancer. With so much at stake, gut health is really crucial in our lives.
Gut problems come from the solid food and liquids we ingest. And when there’s something wrong, it’s often easy to tell. Bloating, gas, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea are the most common symptoms.
According to an article Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Your Gut Health on time.com, “the imbalances often fix themselves after a short time, but if they become chronic, they may require a medical diagnosis and treatment.”
It’s best not to ignore warning signs that your gut health might be in peril. Besides stomach disturbances, having a high-sugar and high-in-processed foods diet can decrease the amounts of good bacteria in your gut.
Sugar has been linked to increased inflammation in the body. Inflammatory foods (such as refined carbohydrates and red meat) can increase the risk of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. (For a full list of Inflammatory Foods, READ: 6 Foods that Cause Inflammation)
Other signs of an unhealthy gut are: unexplained weight gain or weight loss, constant fatigue, skin irritation such as eczema, food intolerances or allergies, and autoimmune diseases.
For most of us, it’s easy to dismiss a symptom as a mere irritation that would eventually pass, but if any of the symptoms above persist, go to your gastroenterologist to have your gut checked asap. After all, we don’t want the symptoms to escalate, right?
Doctors say, much. And much of it we already know.
First, follow a balanced diet. Replace processed, high-sugar, and high-fat foods with a diet rich in fiber. Eat plenty of plant-based food and lean protein. Mangoes, cherries, cranberries, broccoli, walnuts and leafy greens appear to benefit the gut.
Get your fill of probiotics or fermented foods. Think yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, miso, kefir. (READ: Best Foods for a Healthy Gut)
Limit your intake of artificial sweeteners, as some evidence show aspartame stimulates the growth of unhealthy bacteria.
Rest and sleep well every day, reduce stress in your life. Exercise helps a lot, sweating out aids in getting rid of bad bacteria and inflammatory foods from your system. Stay hydrated. Water is
the best beverage.
Lastly, take antibiotics only when necessary. Antibiotics, while they kill the bad bacteria, aren’t able to distinguish them from good bacteria, killing them as well. Minimize use of antibiotics, and only as your doctor instructed you.
We are indeed better off having a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Listen to your gut, and your gut will thank you for it, returning the favor in spades.
Tags
0 Comments