New Delhi: The gut is where everything begins – from mental health to digestion to physical health. But talk of digestion, it is an imperative part of nutrient absorption and waste elimination. Home to trillions of microbes, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, the gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in your health. A healthy gut microbiome supports digestion, enhances nutrient absorption, and strengthens the immune system. Research has shown that an imbalance in gut bacteria, called dysbiosis, can contribute to gastrointestinal disorders, autoimmune diseases, and even mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. The balance of these microbes directly impacts chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Veerendra Koujalagi, Lead Consultant- Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, SPARSH Hospital, Yelahanka, listed the signs of an unhealthy gut.
Signs that you may have poor gut health
Digestive issues like bloating, constipation or diarrhoea, and heartburn
Fatigue
Emotional disturbances like anxiety and depression
Repeat episodes of infections, a cold, and the flu
How do I maintain my gut health?
Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health. High-fibre, plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains feed beneficial gut bacteria. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut also promote a diverse microbiome. Prebiotics, found in foods like garlic, onions, and oats, support the growth of healthy bacteria while limiting processed foods and artificial sweeteners can help prevent gut dysbiosis.
Lifestyle factors like chronic stress, inadequate sleep, indiscriminate use of antibiotics, and lack of physical activity can disrupt the microbiome, leading to digestive discomfort and other health issues. Regular exercise, on the other hand, has been shown to positively impact gut bacteria and improve digestion. Gut health is largely about diet, but as it turns out, environmental factors also have a role to play in it, such as breastfed babies, bottle-fed babies ,and age. But it is advised to focus on a healthy diet and sufficient exercise.
Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health. High-fibre, plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains feed beneficial gut bacteria. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut also promote a diverse microbiome. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
