Did you know that your digestive system is the gateway to your overall health? In fact, 70 percent of your immune system is located in your gut, which needs regular, healthy food intake to support your overall health.
Spanning all the way from the mouth to the rectum, the digestive system is a highly complex and wide-ranging part of the human body. It is responsible for many crucial functions, including breaking down the foods that we eat into energy, absorbing vital nutrients, and getting rid of waste.
It stands to reason that it is vital to maintain good digestive health. Neglecting your digestive health can contribute to the onset of a variety of acute and chronic medical problems, including the following:
Gastric Problems
Gas, bloating, constipation, cramping, diarrhea, and heartburn are all signs of an unhealthy digestive system. They indicate difficulties in digestion and eliminating waste from the body.
Persistent or chronic gastric problems are symptoms of underlying chronic digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Unintentional Weight Gain
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.
A study published in the journal Nutrition Today in July 2016 demonstrated that consumption of a Western-style diet loaded with fat and refined carbohydrates may promote intestinal bacteria overgrowth, which is linked to obesity.
Chronic Fatigue
Serotonin, a hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle, is produced in your gut. It causes contractions that stimulate digestion.
If your digestive system isn’t functioning the way it should, it could impair your ability to sleep well, causing insomnia and chronic fatigue.
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.
Food Intolerances and Allergies
Studies suggest that food intolerances are a potential result of having 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.
Digestive Health Care in Greater Austin, TX
At Austin Gastroenterology, we have more than 30 board-certified gastroenterologists who are all equipped and dedicated to delivering the highest quality of patient-focused diagnostic, preventative, and medical care. We will be happy to provide you with comprehensive patient education, which we believe will have a significant impact on the way you manage your digestive health.
To schedule a consultation with one of our dedicated GI doctors, call our clinic nearest you or use our convenient online appointment request form.
