Consider improving your digestive health in 2022. The beginning of a new year is usually the time we hit the reset button. Typically, that includes an evaluation of our lifestyle, diet and health habits.
Did you know that your digestive system is the gateway to your overall health? Seventy percent of your immune system is located in your gut, which needs regular, healthy food intake to support your overall health.
Your digestive system is a highly complex and wide-ranging party of your body. It spans the whole way from your mouth to your rectum and is responsible for critical functions like breaking down the foods you eat into energy, absorbing vital nutrients and helping you to get rid of waste.
As you establish good habits for 2022, keep in mind that neglecting your digestive health can contribute to the onset of a variety of acute and chronic medical problems.
Here is what can happen when you neglect your digestive health:
Chronic Fatigue and Poor Sleep
Serotonin is a hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle and is produced in your gut. It also causes contractions that stimulate digestion.
If your digestive system is not functioning the way it should, it could impair your ability to sleep well, causing insomnia and chronic fatigue.
Food Allergies and Intolerances
Studies suggest that food intolerances can potentially result from having a poor quality of bacteria in the digestive tract. This can lead to distressing symptoms, such as bloating, gas, abdominal cramping or pain and nausea. There is also scientific evidence that establishes the connection between food allergies and poor gut health.
Gastric Issues
Gas, bloating, constipation, cramping, diarrhea and heartburn are all signs of an unhealthy digestive system. These are indicators of digestive difficulties and waste eliminators.
Persistent or chronic gastric problems are symptoms of underlying chronic digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Skin Conditions
Gut inflammation, which is a symptom of inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD), can result in a leakage of proteins in the body that could cause skin irritation and other skin conditions, namely eczema.
Unintentional Weight Gain or Weight Loss
Poor digestive health can damage your body’s ability to absorb vital nutrients, store fat and regulate blood sugar levels, causing you to gain or lose weight involuntarily.
Do not let a diet loaded with fat and refined carbohydrates promote intestinal bacteria overgrowth. Studies show this can be linked to obesity.
Digestive Health Care in 2022
At Ocean Family Gastroenterology in Toms River, NJ, we are dedicated to delivering the highest quality patient-focused diagnostic, preventative and treatment of the digestive system. We are happy to provide you with the tools and education you need to manage your digestive health.
Looking to improve your digestive health in the new year? For a consultation, call us at 732-281-1580 or visit us online HERE.