Digestive Health Series - Part 1

Understanding Your Digestive System:

Several studies in the recent past have demonstrated links between gut health and the immune system, mood, mental health, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders, skin conditions, and cancer. Having a good digestive health is critical to the overall health in terms of the functioning of the various organs and your overall well being.

Our digestive system does not always run smoothly like any other complex machinery, which breaks down sometimes. Some people may suffer from digestive problems which are genetic in nature, while some others may experience their immune system being mistakenly attacked by their own digestive system, causing various digestive problems.

How does our digestive system function?

The food that we eat begins its journey into the digestive system from the mouth. It passes down the esophagus and into the stomach. Once it enters the small intestine (over 20 feet long) it further breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and sends them into the bloodstream.

The remaining watery food residue moves into your large intestine, (4 feet long muscular tube). As undigested food passes through it, bacteria feed off the remnants. The wall of the large intestine soaks up most of the remaining undigested food and anything that is undigested is expelled out very efficiently.

The foods and liquids we consume are broken into chemical components such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and the like and help the body absorb them as nutrients and use for energy or to build or repair cells. What we eat, and how we eat, can accordingly reflect on the digestive health.

Common ailments of the digestive system include:

• Heartburn, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Peptic ulcer
• Diverticular disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Gallstones
• Celiac disease
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

Keeping your digestive system healthy

Here are some tips to keep your digestive system healthy:

• Avoid Smoking.
• Maintain healthy body weight (check your BMI (Body Mass Index)).
• Eat a balanced, healthy diet.
• Stay active. Exercise 4-5 times a week, if not every day.
• Learn to de-stress when stressed.

Stay tuned to the next topic of the Digestive Health Series which talks about the causes of a bloated belly and its effective management.