{"id":11857,"date":"2022-03-30T13:23:42","date_gmt":"2022-03-30T13:23:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/?p=11857"},"modified":"2022-03-31T18:16:22","modified_gmt":"2022-03-31T18:16:22","slug":"expert-tips-to-improve-your-gut-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/2022\/03\/30\/expert-tips-to-improve-your-gut-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Expert Tips to Improve Your Gut Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Expert<\/p>\n

Para leer en Espa\u00f1ol, por favor haga clic aqu\u00ed<\/a><\/p>\n

Gut health. Probiotics. Prebiotics. Microbiome. You read and hear these terms all the time on the news, in advertisements, on talk shows, even on supermarket shelves \u2013 but what do they all mean and what implications do they have for your health? One of our expert gastroenterologists helps us sort it all out.<\/p>\n

What Is Gut Health?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cGut health\u201d refers to the health of the entire gastrointestinal tract: esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Recent research has found that this area of the body has a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. Digestive system problems such as heartburn, gas, bloating, and constipation can reflect what\u2019s happening elsewhere in our bodies. People who have good gut health are less likely to experience inflammation and weakened immune systems.<\/p>\n

The main function of the digestive system is to break down food and extract the nutrients that our bodies need to sustain themselves. One key factor to a well-functioning digestive system is a healthy gut microbiome.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe gut microbiome is the collective name used for all of the microorganisms (\u2018microbes\u2019 for short) living in your intestines,\u201d Kunal Dalal, MD<\/a>, a gastroenterologist at Cooper University Health Care<\/a>, explains. \u201cPicture a large city filled with millions of people with various occupations, this is what the microbiome acts like inside of our bodies. This tiny ecosystem is filled with trillions of species including mostly bacteria, but also virus and fungi, each playing a different but vital role to maintain equilibrium.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to helping with digestion, the gut microbiome controls how your immune system functions and how your body responds to infection. Most bacteria in your gut help you, but microbes that can lead to disease are also present. When the balance of good and bad bacteria is disrupted, it can affect many bodily systems.<\/p>\n

Signs that your gut microbiome is not functioning correctly include abdominal pain, bloating, loose stools, constipation, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms such as, unexplained weight loss, blood in the stool, black stool (a sign of bleeding in the gut), fever, severe trouble swallowing food, and jaundice (a yellow discoloration of the skin or eyes) could potentially indicate a more severe gastrointestinal issue.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile it\u2019s always important to consult your health care provider or gastroenterologist if you experience any of these concerns,\u201d Dr. Dalal says. \u201cThere are steps you can take on your own to improve your gut health.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adopt a Gut-Friendly Diet<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Despite advertisements to the contrary, you generally do not need supplements to keep your gut healthy. Choosing foods high in nutrients, fiber, and other substances that aid digestion will help to keep your digestive system in good working order. In addition to keeping a wide variety of fruits and vegetables on the menu, consider including:<\/p>\n