Did You Know That Your Digestive System Plays A Role In Your Overall Health?
Your digestive system (often referred to as “your gut”) is an extremely complex environment that performs many vital functions. The small intestine acts as the main site of enzymatic digestion of foods and absorption of nutrients. The large intestine or colon absorbs large quantities of water and electrolytes and helps to remove waste matter and other substances your body does not use. The large intestine is also responsible for the regulation of intestinal well-being, particularly through its complex microflora that contributes to the maintenance of intestinal function.
Why Is Maintaining A Healthy Balance Of Microflora In Your Gut So Important?
The gut microflora of every individual consists of various microorganisms (bacteria, yeast and fungi) that live in the intestinal tract. When the intestinal microflora is out of balance, that imbalance may affect overall health. This balance can be disturbed during times of stress, with age, in menopause, when taking medications, with an unbalanced diet, and in the event of acute or chronic intestinal disease.1
There is good reason to add probiotics to your daily routine. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that have been studied to provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. While benefits vary by strain, the most commonly studied probiotic benefits include supporting gut health. Probiotics generally do not colonize the gut, but many provide their benefits in the colon by having a beneficial impact on the bacteria already living there.
How Can You Promote Your Own Digestive Health?
Healthy daily habits can help support digestive health. Some commonly recommended approaches include:
Eat smaller, more frequent meals without increasing overall calorie intake.
Do not miss breakfast; do not eat large meals late at night.
Include foods rich in fiber, 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day, including whole grains and legumes.
Eat fish 3 to 5 times per week.
Reduce intake of foods high in animal fat, greasy, and fried foods.
Consume fermented dairy products containing probiotics, with proven benefits on digestive health.
Select lean meats such as chicken, turkey, rabbit…or lean cuts of beef, pork, or lamb.
Drink 2 liters of drinking water a day while decreasing intake of caffeinated, alcoholic and sweetened beverages.
Do not rush eating and chew food slowly and well.
Practice a healthy lifestyle: exercise regularly and abstain from smoking.
References
1. Mitsuoka T, et al. "The fecal flora of man. II. Communication: the composition of Bifidobacterium flora of different age groups." Zentralbl Bakteriol. 1974;226(4):469-78.
