Our digestive system is always on the move, conducting many processes throughout each day. The health of your gut plays a major role in our overall health and well-being. This all occurs within the (GI) or Gastrointestinal tract of the human body. The GI tract measures approximately 30 feet in length! Suprising isn't it?! It works in conjunction with other parts of the Digestive System to break down food into smaller nutrients. Then, these nutrients are then absorbed into the bloodstream throughout other portions of the body for growth, energy, and repair. Why is this important to overall health? Because many human illnesses are attributed to the malfunctions of the Digestive System. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, "60-70 million Americans are affected by digestive diseases, like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome" (IBS). Gerd occurs when our stomach acid rises back up our esophagus or throat. This leads to heartburn and indigestion. Furthermore, Gerd causes abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements. Some people even report experiencing constipation, diarrhea, or a combination of these two symptoms. Links have been found between lifestyle changes that create stress and the onset of IBS. However, if IBS is stress-related and you happen to find someone in your life to help cope with the stressors that raises your risk of acquiring the illness...then the risk will dramatically lower. This is where having a functional, social "support system" matters. As observed by GI expert of the University of California, Dr. Lin Chang, "finding healthy ways to manage stress is important for GI health."
What you eat can help our hurt your digestive system, and influence how you feel.
A healthy life equals a healthy gut.
Be well.