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Between gas, constipation and acid reflux, digestive issues are among the most unpleasant ailments—and the touchiest topics to broach. But getting to the root of your problems can ease discomfort and allay embarrassing symptoms. Learn how to tame your tummy with these eight astounding facts about your digestive tract. We really are what we eat. Bacteria from our intestines influence our digestive tract’s health, according to Gerard Mullin, MD, professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and author of The Inside Tract: Your Good Gut Guide to Great Digestive Health. These friendly organisms break down hard-to-digest foods, produce nutrients and help keep harmful bacteria in check. When the balance of good guys versus bad falls out of whack—because of antibiotics, too much junk food or even stress—you can develop gas, bloating, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Too much bad bacteria is even linked to obesity, according to some research. Why? They stop the stomach from telling the brain it’s full. To keep your belly’s ecosystem thriving, eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grains. These soluble fiber–rich foods stimulate good bacteria growth as they move through your intestines, giving you a healthy gut and immune system, says Dr. Mullin. Yogurt and probiotic supplements can also fortify your defenses. When you’re stressed, your stomach is, too. There’s a reason your belly clenches at the sound of bad news. Your gastrointestinal tract is directly wired to the nervous system, explains Dr. Mullin. When your body perceives danger, your nervous system shuts down blood flow to the stomach so it can direct all its energy toward self-defense, says Brenda Powell, MD, a physician at the Center for Integrative Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic. “When stress is chronic, the body releases inflammatory chemicals, which can break down the GI system’s lining and function,” she adds. To restore harmony, de-stress with meditation, exercise, yoga or spending time with supportive friends. And if you’re in the middle of a stress attack, take slow, deep belly breaths to calm down. Even a lot of gas is normal. Most people think they break wind more often than their neighbor, when in fact they aren’t setting any records. According to gastroenterologist Anish Sheth, MD, author of What’s Your Poo Telling You, the average person sounds the horn 14 to 23 times a day, releasing up to four pints of gas. Still, if flatulence is putting a damper on social gatherings, Dr. Sheth recommends refraining from beans, cabbage, apples, sweet potatoes, carrots, prunes and other foods high in soluble fiber (yes, those same ones that are good for your gut) for up to six hours before your outing. Or take a probiotic pill like Culturelle or Align. Click here to learn more about ending digestive problems for good! Stories you might like: Did any of these tips surprise you? If so, which one(s)? Do you have any other tips to add? Provided Photo |
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