GUT HEALTH

7 in 10 urban Indians experience gut health issues (Source: Times of India)

Healthy Gut Healthy You !!

Gut , our second brain, is home to trillions of microorganisms and the imbalance in the gut microbiome contributes to the development of lifestyle diseases.

Digestive disorders such as Gut dysbiosis, Leaky Gut Syndrome, Constipation, Low stomach acid production, Low Enzyme production, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) can significantly affect quality of life, not only cause physical discomfort but can also impact mental and emotional health.

Gut dysbiosis: It typically occurs due to imbalance of the bacteria in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes your stomach and intestines. Gut dysbiosis has been reported even in breastfed infants. Gut Dysbiosis is usually mild and can be treated through lifestyle changes. But if left untreated, dysbiosis can lead to chronic conditions, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Early diagnosis will help avoid additional complications. Common symptoms include Frequent gas, Bloating, Abdominal Cramping and Mucus in the stool.

Leaky Gut Syndrome: Our intestine is a home to a wide range of bacteria called gut microbiota. These bacteria aid digestion, protect the intestinal wall, and support immune function. Leaky Gut Syndrome (LGS) is a digestive condition where the intestinal lining allows bacteria and toxins into the bloodstream. Research shows that Dietary and lifestyle changes may help to recover & avoid it. Check if you are suffering from Bloating, Food sensitivities, Fatigue, Digestive issues, Skin rashes, Chronic diarrhea, Headache, Confusion.

Constipation: Constipation is fairly common. It means passing fewer than three stools a week or having a difficult time passing stool. Studies from India have reported a prevalence ranging from 8.6% to 24.8%. Long-term constipation, also called chronic constipation, may require treating another disease or condition that can cause or worsen constipation. Introspect if you are needing to open the bowels less often than usual, hard/dry stools that may be painful to pass, straining to pass the motion, having to sit on the toilet for much longer than usual, sensation afterwards that the bowel hasn’t fully emptied, bloated abdomen, abdominal cramps.

Low stomach acid production: Hydrochloric acid in your stomach helps break down food, absorb essential nutrients and helps control viruses and bacteria that might otherwise infect your stomach. Low stomach acid production leads to not being able to digest food properly or absorb its nutrients. It can create gas bubbles that rise into your esophagus and throat, carrying stomach acid with them. Even trace amounts of acid in your throat can feel like too much. Roughly 2-12% of the population is deficient in stomach acid, with older adults being affected at much higher rates than younger people. Usual symptoms include Burping, Nausea, Gas, Heartburn.

Low Enzyme production: Digestive enzymes are proteins produced by the body that catalyze enzymatic reactions to break down and digest macronutrients into their small building blocks for absorption. Vitamins, minerals, and water are also products of digestion that are absorbed into the bloodstream. Low Enzyme production is a lower-than-normal production and secretion of digestive enzymes. Lifestyle and environmental factors also can impact digestive efficiency. This condition leads to Indigestion- Burning in the stomach, Pain, Bloating.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This condition is a group of symptoms that affect your digestive system. It’s a common but uncomfortable gastrointestinal disease, or condition that affects your intestines. IBS doesn’t inflame or damage the intestines so imaging scans can’t detect it and it doesn’t increase the risk of cancer. You may experience symptoms that include abdominal pain and cramps, frequent diarrhea, constipation or both. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder with a 4 to 7% prevalence in India. IBS doesn’t cause tissue damage in your GI (gastrointestinal) tract or increase your risk of more serious conditions. Instead, it’s a chronic condition that you can manage by making lifestyle changes. Common symptoms are Bloating, Gas, Feeling that you haven ‘t finished a bowel movement, Whitish mucus in stool, Cramping, Abdominal pain, Constipation & Diarrhea.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD is a group of disorders that cause chronic inflammation (pain and swelling) in the intestines. It affects all ages and genders. In India, a study estimated the number of IBD patients to be 2.7 lakhs, which increased from 1.3 lakhs in 1990. India has the highest incidence of IBD, at 9.3 per 100,000. Nowadays, IBD has risen from the fifth leading cause of death due to gastrointestinal disease in 1990 to the fourth leading cause in 2017. IBD is a disease whereas IBS is a syndrome, or group of symptoms. It’s possible to have both IBD and IBS. While IBD can cause IBS symptoms, there’s no evidence that having IBS increases your risk of IBD. Observe if you have Bloody diarrhea, Rapid and Unintended weight loss, Alternate Constipation and Diarrhea.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus. Many people experience acid reflux from time to time. However, when acid reflux happens repeatedly over time, it can cause GERD. The prevalence of GERD in India ranges from 7.6% to 30%. 

Common signs and symptoms of GERD include:

• A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night or while lying down
• Backwash (regurgitation) of food or sour liquid
• Upper abdominal or chest pain
• Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
• Sensation of a lump in your throat

If you have nighttime acid reflux, you might also experience:

• An ongoing cough
• Inflammation of the vocal cords (laryngitis)
• New or worsening asthma

We understand the profound impact that digestive health has on overall well-being. That’s why we provide guidance & help the individuals seeking to reset their gut and find relief from any Digestive Disorders.