SHARES
The gut refers to the gastrointestinal system consisting of the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, intestines, colon and rectum.
Meanwhile, gut health is the “state of effective digestion and absorption of food, resulting in gastrointestinal well-being and an absence of illness”, according to Dr Melvin Look, Consultant Gastrointestinal Surgeon and Director of PanAsia Surgery Group.
Why is it important?
Gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammation or cancers, can be serious and life-threatening if left untreated. Gastrointestinal cancers remain the fourth most common cancer in the world. A common symptom of this disease? Prolonged and persistent stomachaches – something that is often neglected. “This is why early-stage stomach cancer is often so hard to detect,” says Dr Look.
Even so, less critical problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhoea, all of which can affect one’s quality of life.
Key to our overall health is the microbiota present in our gut, in combination with the gut barrier. Both of which regulate the immune system and thus have an impact on allergy responses. Dr Look adds that a healthy gut with normal and stable microbiota boosts one’s immune system.
What causes poor gut health?
Anything that affects the gut microbiota can lead to poor gut health. One common example? Antibiotics. An excessive consumption of these medicines can alter the diversity of good bacteria that’s needed for a healthy gut.
Unbalanced diet high in carbohydrates or fats can also affect the gut’s defense system and allow infections, inflammation, allergy and diseases to set in.
Some common symptoms to look out for are abdominal pain, heartburn, bloating, flatulence (accumulation of gas), odd bowel movements and the unhealthy look of one’s stools. There are also tests, such as the hydrogen breath test, that you can take to assess if you have gut problem. Speak to your doctor about any concerns you may have.
Road to a healthier gut
“Adopt a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables and foods high in fiber content. Try to avoid excessive red meat, tobacco and alcohol,” says Dr Look.
Managing your stress level is key to gut health, too. Stress eating, according to Senior Psychologist, Ivena Clarissa from National University Hospital Singapore, can lead to gastrointestinal problems. “When one stress eats, the stomach lining becomes irritated, causing gas and indigestion (think bloating, belching, nausea) which in turn can cause acid reflux.” That condition is often felt as a burning sensation in one’s chest or stomach.
Dr Look adds that regular exercise and meditative methods help to reduce stress levels. “Consuming probiotics or probiotic supplements can improve gut health.” Indeed, fermented beverages like kombucha and kefir have been around for centuries due to their probiotic goodness. Raw potato juice, too, can help to soothe the tummy, ease inflammation and promote digestion.
Nonetheless, getting periodic screenings like endoscopies (as advised by your doctor) will help to detect potential life-threatening diseases early.
Special thanks to:
Dr Melvin Look is the Director of PanAsia Surgery in Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital and Parkway East Hospital. He is a Consultant Surgeon in Gastrointestinal, Laparoscopic and Obesity Surgery, and has a special interest in Endoscopy and the treatment of Digestive Diseases. He underwent various training awards at the National Cancer Center Hospital in Tokyo, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh UK, Mount Sinai Medical Centre New York, and Washington Cancer Institute in Washington DC.
Credit: Willaine G. Tan from The Finder Singapore.
The PanAsia Surgery Group contributed this article.
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by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
