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How to Improve Gut Health, According to a Gastroenterologist
Your gut does a lot more than digest food. It regulates your immune system, influences chronic disease risk, and may even affect your mental health, according to data from Johns Hopkins. Even so, for most Americans, gut health is an afterthought, until something goes wrong. In our recent edition of Summus Inside Access, board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Akash Goel, MD, breaks down the science of digestive health in a way that’s both eye-opening and actionable. Whether you’re an HR leader trying to lower healthcare costs or an employee trying to feel better day-to-day, here are the top gut health takeaways from Dr. Goel Watch the Summus Inside Access master class with Dr. Goel What is gut health — and why does it matter? Gut health refers to the function and balance of your entire gastrointestinal system, including the trillions (yes, trillions!) of microbes that live there. When your GI (gastrointestinal) system is working well, it filters toxins, supports immunity, and helps regulate metabolism. When it breaks down, the health consequences can be extensive. Americans are particularly disadvantaged when it comes to gut health. Dr. Goel notes that: Three-quarters of Americans are overweight or obese About half have diabetes or pre-diabetes, and Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases are rising at a rate of 3 to 9% per year “The rate of increase is much greater than the rate of genetic change,” says Dr. Goel. “What it really comes down to is environment.” That’s actually an empowering message: If the environment is driving the problem, changing the environment can be part of the solution to better gut health. How to improve gut health: understanding the ‘gut barrier’ Dr. Goel suggests thinking of the gut barrier like a coffee filter. It’s designed to let the good stuff through (e.g., nutrients and beneficial compounds), while keeping the harmful stuff out. The surface area of the gut lining spans roughly 400 square meters—about the size of a tennis court. And right behind that lining? About 70% of your entire immune system. “Seventy percent of our immune system is just one cell away from a sewer,” Dr. Goel explains, invoking a phrase from noted functional medicine leader Dr. Mark Hyman. That’s not a metaphor designed to alarm, but a reminder of how critically important it is to maintain that barrier. When it becomes compromised (what’s sometimes called “leaky gut”), the door opens to chronic inflammation and disease. Best foods for gut health: fiber and...
Doctor shares tips to protect your gut health - WJAR
ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — The human gut microbiome contains about 4,500 different types of bacteria that help keep your body working properly. However, when the microbiome is disrupted, it can lead to health problems.Your gut does more than help you digest food. It helps your whole body work better.“It’s important for people to know that the microbes that live within us play a very important role in how healthy we are,” said Dr. Mariana Byndloss, assistant professor of pathology, microbiology & immunology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.Dr. Mariana Byndloss, assistant professor of pathology, microbiology & immunology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, spoke about the importance of gut health. (FILE)Research shows damage to certain gut microbes can lead to issues like obesity, autoimmune problems, heart disease, cancer and mental health conditions.“We don’t really usually consider what’s happening in the gut,” said Byndloss.So how can you protect your gut? First: avoid toxins like smoking and alcohol, and be careful about the everyday chemicals around you, like pesticides, flame retardants and plastic additives. Also, lower stress, exercise often, don’t overuse antibiotics and avoid foods that cause inflammation.HEALTH CHECK: Rhode Island Women's Expo expands to offer more seminars, exhibitors“The diet and what you eat influences how the microbes inside your gut live, and how they work and how they may cause disease,” she said. Try to eat a wide range of whole foods that are low in sugar and saturated fats, but rich in fiber and prebiotics. This includes fruits, whole grains and vegetables.“There’s a reason why we are always telling people to eat vegetables, and it’s because these vegetables are not just good for us, but they’re good for the microbes that live with us,” said Byndloss.A person smoking outside. (FILE)She also said a diverse diet is important for gut health. However, diversity in the Western diet has drastically declined in recent years.Approximately 75% of the world’s food supply comes from only 12 plants and five animal species.Contributors to this news report include: Julie Marks, Producer; Roque Correa, Editor.
Day 18: 30 days to better gut health - by Andrea Venter
Your gut is home to trillions of organisms that influence your mood, immunity, weight, and energy. Most people never think about them. For the next 30 days, we're going to change that one species at a time. Each day: A one-minute read, one food, one day. Small actions. Measurable results.
Day 19: 30 days to better gut health - by Andrea Venter
Your gut is home to trillions of organisms that influence your mood, immunity, weight, and energy. Most people never think about them. For the next 30 days, we're going to change that one species at a time. Each day: A one-minute read, one food, one day. Small actions. Measurable results.
