Proper digestion and GI function is the key to health and well-being. However, statistics show that almost 60% of the adult population suffers from various gastrointestinal diseases, which can manifest themselves with different symptoms—from unpleasant sensations in the abdomen to pain, stool disorders, and other manifestations. Let’s consider simple but effective recommendations that will help the stomach and intestines to function properly and without failures.
What can cause gastrointestinal diseases
Digestion is a complex and multi-step process that depends on the work of various organs and body systems. Disturbances in digestion can occur for various reasons:
- Unbalanced nutrition. Overeating, excessive consumption of fatty, fried, sweet foods can disrupt digestion and cause discomfort.
- Constant stress. Strong worries and stress affect the work of the digestive system, leading to changes in appetite, slowing down the motor activity of the intestine. Sometimes such factors even cause irritable bowel syndrome.
- Insufficient water intake. Lack of water can cause constipation and make it difficult for food to pass through the intestines. Therefore, it is important to drink enough clean water throughout the day
- Disturbance of intestinal microflora. In the intestinal flora there are “good” and “bad” bacteria, the ratio of which can change under the influence of various factors. Violation of the correct microflora leads to digestive problems, bloating, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal diseases.
- Chronic diseases of the GI tract. Various diseases such as gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, cholelithiasis, celiac disease and chronic colitis – often disrupt the functioning of the digestive system and provoke a number of unpleasant symptoms.
- Medications. Some drugs, such as antibiotics, painkillers can negatively affect the intestinal microflora and cause temporary digestive problems.
- Sedentary lifestyle. Lack of physical activity slows down the intestines and leads to constipation.
5 tips for gastrointestinal diseases
When you have digestive problems, you should follow some of the recommendations of doctors. These tips will help to improve your health.
Eat a balanced and healthy diet
Consume a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, grains, proteins (meat, fish, eggs, nuts, legumes) and dairy. Be sure to include healthy fats such as olive oil, avocados, nuts, and fish oil in your diet, while limiting your intake of saturated and trans fats found in fatty meats and solid oils.
In general, avoid excessive consumption of fatty, fried or sugary foods. It is also recommended to limit alcohol and caffeine intake.
It is optimal to follow a certain diet: it is recommended to eat at certain times and avoid nighttime snacking.
Drinking enough water throughout the day
Drinking enough water throughout the day plays an extremely important role in keeping your body healthy and functioning properly. Water is involved in many processes, including temperature regulation, nutrient absorption, and maintaining healthy skin. It is water that helps maintain the body’s optimal hydration levels. Adequate fluid intake prevents dehydration, which can cause fatigue, decreased concentration, and headaches. In addition, water participates in the digestion process by diluting gastric juice and improving bowel function. Proper hydration can help prevent gastrointestinal diseases by supporting healthy digestion and preventing constipation.
Regular physical activity
Digestive disorders and the associated discomfort often lead to a decrease in movement. This can affect your overall tone and mood, affect your weight, and lead to a variety of health consequences, including gastrointestinal diseases.
Regular physical activity plays a key role in maintaining a healthy and fit body. Apart from this, exercise helps you burn extra calories and maintain a healthy weight. Therefore, do not forget to get regular physical activity. Walking, running, swimming, or yoga are recommended as these are the types of activities that help in improving bowel movements and digestion.
Stress management
Stress management plays an important role in maintaining physical and mental health. Stress can be caused by various factors: work, financial problems, personal relationships, etc. Often, constant stress leads to digestive problems due to which a person experiences a number of unpleasant symptoms.
Therefore, try to get rid of constant anxiety and worries. Help in this can help to give up bad habits, normalization of sleep, regular exercise.In more complex cases, consultation with a psychotherapist is indicated.
Preventive check-ups for gastrointestinal diseases
If digestive problems are constantly observed and lead to a serious deterioration in the quality of life, you should not delay a visit to the doctor. In such cases, you can turn to a therapist or gastroenterologist. The specialist will determine the cause of the symptoms and conduct a competent diagnosis. This will help to identify possible gastrointestinal diseases and select the necessary treatment.
Preventive examinations with a gastroenterologist are recommended even in the absence of symptoms. Some gastrointestinal diseases in the early stages may not have a pronounced clinical picture, so a person does not suspect their presence for a long time. Such “hidden enemies” include Helicobacter pylori infection.
Conclusion
Proper digestion and maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal tract play an important role in the overall health of the body. Implementing simple but effective guidelines such as eating a balanced diet, drinking regularly, physical activity, stress management and regular check-ups can help prevent many GI problems and keep your GI tract functioning properly. It is important to remember that if digestive problems are prolonged or severe, you should see a specialist for diagnosis and treatment. The health of the digestive system is the key to overall well-being and good health.
