The Importance of a Healthy Gut
Gut health has become a trending topic in recent years, but do you know what it means to truly have a healthy digestive system? Whether you are traveling in Barcelona, have concerns, or are just curious, the doctors at Medvisit are always available to answer any questions you may have. Book an at-home consultation today and keep reading to learn all about the importance of a healthy gut!
What does it mean to have a healthy gut?
There are trillions of different bacteria in the stomach, both good and bad, and these bacteria make up our “gut microbiome.” The gut microbiome is one of the foundational components of our health, controlling over 70% of our immune systems along with many other important bodily functions. Thus, it is imperative to maintain a healthy balance of the good and bad bacteria in the stomach and to be aware of the factors that can potentially influence your gut health.
Why is our gut health so important?
To emphasize, the gut microbiome is the most important foundation of our health. Not only does it support the digestion of our foods, but it also controls our immune system, hormones, and metabolic reactions. However, everyone’s gut microbiome is unique, and the diversity of each person’s microbiome can be influenced by elements such as nutrition, exercise, medications, or even genetics. An unhealthy gut can in some cases trigger autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s Disease, which affects your thyroid. Along with certain autoimmune disorders, an unhealthy gut can also make it difficult for your body to get rid of toxins and other metabolic waste. This can cause many issues such as chronic fatigue, inflammation, brain fog, diarrhea, constipation, or joint pain.
What factors can affect our gut health?
While there are several factors that can affect our overall gut health as mentioned above, there are three that are most common: stress, poor nutrition, and long-term antibiotic use. First, high levels of stress have been proven to increase the intestine’s permeability. This unfortunate side effect of stress can lead to a condition known as “leaky gut” and cause an increase in harmful gut bacteria. A balanced diet is also a key component of a healthy gut; studies show that overconsumption of processed foods can negatively impact the number of good bacteria in the gut and cause inflammation. Finally, long-term antibiotic use has been proven to decrease the B12 vitamin in the gut which is essential for healthy cell production and brain function. Antibiotics also can reduce bacterial diversity in the gut and affect metabolic activity.
What steps can someone take to achieve a healthy gut?
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to heal your gut and restore balance to your microbiome:
- Control stress levels
- Eat a balanced diet
- Get quality sleep
- Exercise
- Drink lots of water
- Take probiotics
- Eat more fiber
- Limit your alcohol intake
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
Nevertheless, some patients might require more assistance than simply practicing a healthier lifestyle. A wide range of health issues can be investigated and treated with doctors at Medvisit, such as sleep, diet, and stress reduction. Contact your doctor in Barcelona as soon as possible so that we may provide you with the information and resources needed to overcome your health challenges. You can always rely on Medvisit; we have the most reliable doctors in Barcelona who can help you with the most advanced medications and guidance. Appointments can easily be booked with knowledgeable and experienced English-speaking doctors!
