NHS doctor’s six ways to improve your gut health

An NHS doctor has talked about six ways to improve your gut health. Dr Alexis Missick is an experienced GP working with UK Meds. Dr Missick has worked in the NHS for more than 10 years and has six years of experience working internationally, mostly in the Caribbean.

Now, she’s explained what gut health is and why it’s important to overall well-being. She also explained the UK Meds Gut Health Diet Plan, designed to “promote a healthy gut ecosystem and promote vitality.”

Dr Missick said: “The human gut is home to a full range of microorganisms, each person having a unique amount and type. The gut microbiota has over 100 trillion microorganisms, which if weighed would tip the scale at about 200 grams. About the same weight as a fully grown hamster The diverse range of bacteria and microorganisms play an essential role in maintaining overall health and well-being.

What is gut health?

Dr Missick said: “Gut health is about the functionality of the digestive system, also known as the gastrointestinal tract or gut. This complex system is responsible for processing food, absorbing essential nutrients and eliminating waste from the body. Encompassing organs such as your throat, food pipe, stomach and intestines, your gut plays a crucial role in maintaining your overall well-being.

“In your gut, you have a large amount of tiny bacteria and other microorganisms. Unlike harmful bacteria that can cause disease, these natural inhabitants of the gut are beneficial. They help break down food and can even support your immune system, which defends your body against infection.

“These beneficial bacteria are often referred to as good bacteria, friendly bacteria, gut flora, microorganisms, microbiota or microbes. Understanding and cultivating the delicate balance of these microorganisms is important to achieving optimal gut health.”

Why is gut health important?

Dr Missick said: “Maintaining optimal gut health is crucial for several key reasons. First of all, our intestinal tract, also known as the gut, is full of trillions of microbes. These microorganisms play a vital role in our overall health by producing essential hormones and without them, our bodies would struggle to function efficiently.

“Secondly, most of our immune system cells are in our digestive tract. A healthy gut is closely related to reduced disease frequency, fewer sick days, and a lower risk of allergies and autoimmune conditions.

“Even if we eat the healthiest foods, the benefits can be compromised if our gut lining is not in good condition to digest them efficiently. A healthy gut lining ensures that we can absorb and use the nutrients from our food efficiently, maximizing the benefits. from our food choices, therefore caring for gut health is fundamental to improving overall well-being and vitality.”

Can diet affect gut health?

Dr Missick said: “Yes, diet plays a significant role in influencing gut health. Certain foods can trigger gut symptoms in some people. For example, acidic foods such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, salad dressings and fizzy drinks can exacerbate heartburn. Similarly, wheat and onions are known triggers for irritable bowel syndrome symptoms in some people.

The Meds Gut Health UK Diet Plan is an outline of a potential diet you could incorporate into your routine to promote good gut health. Below are a number of foods, drinks and tips that you may want to follow if you are conscious of your gut health.

Fiber (including wholemeal bread, brown rice, fruits and vegetables, oats, beans)

Fiber, found in foods such as whole grain bread, brown rice, fruits, vegetables, oats and beans, has long been associated with numerous health benefits. A significant advantage is its role in nurturing a healthy gut microbiome. When bacteria in the gut metabolize fiber, it promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms, fostering a thriving ecosystem in the gut.

Drink fluids and stay well hydrated

Ensuring you are adequately hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids is not only beneficial to your overall health, but also plays a role in supporting a healthy gut. Research suggests that sufficient water intake may be associated with an increased diversity of gut bacteria, a key factor in maintaining gut health. People who drank more water had lower levels of a type of bacteria known to cause gastrointestinal infections, further emphasizing the importance of hydration for gut health.

Eat less fatty foods

Reducing your intake of fatty foods can contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Health experts typically recommend that no more than 30% of your daily food intake come from fat sources. This guide is especially important for people with certain medical conditions or diseases that make it difficult to digest fat. Following a low-fat diet not only supports these medical conditions, but also provides benefits such as helping with weight loss and lowering cholesterol levels.

Eat healthy food sources with fats

Incorporating healthy sources of fat into your diet can have a profound impact on your gut health and overall well-being. Research has shown that a low-fat vegan diet can lead to notable changes in the composition of the gut microbiota. These changes were linked to improvements in weight management, body composition and insulin sensitivity, particularly among overweight adults.

Avoid foods that trigger symptoms of an upset stomach

Avoiding foods that trigger irritable bowel symptoms is essential to managing digestive discomfort and promoting gut health. Certain foods, such as acidic ones such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, salad dressings, and carbonated beverages, can exacerbate heartburn in some people.

Probiotic supplements

Probiotic supplements are thought to help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the gut, including the stomach and intestines, especially when this balance has been disrupted by disease or medical treatments. Although more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness, there is evidence to suggest that probiotics may provide benefits in certain cases.

What gastrointestinal health conditions can gut health be related to?

Gut health is closely related to various gastrointestinal conditions. Some of the conditions (and symptoms) that gut health can influence include:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Weight loss
• stomach ache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Bloating and cramps
• Blood in stools
• Appetite
• Difficulty swallowing
• Nutritional deficiencies

Maintaining a healthy gut environment through balanced diet, hydration and lifestyle choices can play a crucial role in managing and preventing these gastrointestinal health problems, Dr. Missick said.