The gut, four ways to keep it healthy according to a gastroenterologist

2024-08-25 22:41:00, Shëndeti CNA

A healthy gut not only ensures a smoother daily life, but also helps reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Dr. Victor Chedid, MD, a gastroenterologist specializing in inflammatory bowel disease at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, offers tips to keep your gut healthy and inflammatory disease at bay.

According to the expert, the approach should approach four axes: "Attention to all these factors is necessary to maintain the health of the intestines", emphasizes Dr. Chedid.

Eat properly

The optimal diet plan for the gastrointestinal system is the Mediterranean diet, said Dr. Chedid. The Mediterranean diet contains many gut-healthy foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds, as well as olive oil. Fiber is considered vital, so aim for 30 to 40 grams a day.

Stay active

Exercise can keep your immune and digestive systems in shape. Dr. Chedid recommends incorporating exercise into your daily routine, trying whatever type of activity works best for you.

Take care of your mental health

The brain affects the gut and vice versa: stress can have a big impact on the gut, said Dr. Chedid. Risks for irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and other problems are more likely to occur in people who have experienced trauma in childhood or later in life.

Stay hydrated

Water protects and lubricates the digestive tract and Dr. Chedid recommends at least 8 glasses a day for optimal gut health. Water is considered vital for intestinal motility, he points out.

The two most common diseases

Gut health is considered even more important when a person is already dealing with inflammatory bowel disease. There are two main types of IBD: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD is a global disease with approximately 6-8 million cases worldwide. The prevalence of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis is increasing in countries in Africa, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region.

"That's why we need to raise awareness and make sure people seek care when they have symptoms so they get the diagnosis and care that's right for them," Dr Chedid points out.

Currently, there is no cure for IBD, but there are various treatments that help patients control their symptoms. These include anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressants, biologics, antibiotics and surgery.

Diarrhea and bleeding are the most common symptoms, but can make people with IBD feel embarrassed and reluctant to seek support. Dr. Chedid points out that families can play a key role in helping their loved ones manage IBD./ CNA