Importance of gut health in overall wellness

It is a well-known fact that our memory and taste buds play a large role in our relationship with food, and that most digestive issues start in the gut. Several gastrointestinal disorders start with indigestion. Food retained in the stomach may turn partly toxic and give rise to a variety of disorders affecting the digestive system along with other parts of our body. Consumption of unhealthy food, eating more or less than necessary amounts of food and at improper hours, inappropriate mixing of food items and eating the next meal before the previous one has been digested – habits like these spell trouble.

The human body is a home for trillions of microbes such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi and protozoa. The community of such microbes in a defined environment is called Microbiota. And microbiota along with its collective genetic material is called Microbiome, which is omnipresent. Soil, ocean, air, your skin, stomach, nose, eyes and ears, you name it – it is present there. Allergies to asthma, bones to bowel – microbiome rules our health, which is why it is important to keep the microbiome healthy.

Relevance of gut health

The body’s gastrointestinal tract and its functions are the cornerstones of our well-being. Studies have shown the connection between our gut health and our immune system, mental health, skin health, endocrine and cancerous diseases. Understanding our gut flora and its mechanism helps in understanding our health. With modern tests that can give us intricate information about our gut, it makes the path to healing clearer. Our digestive system is remarkable yet complex and like any intricate system, it needs care in order to function to its utmost ability.

In Ayurveda or traditional medicine, the digestive tract is the seat of Agni – the biological or digestive fire, which is responsible for transformation. Ayurveda states that digestive disorders occur when Agni is disturbed by dietary impulsiveness, improper cleansing or evacuation, suppression of natural urges and poor well-being practices. In other words, the digestive system decides just how much of the outside world becomes a part of our energy and tissues! How the elements or building blocks of nature become a part of a living organism, is the most wonderful part of our being.

The digestive surface is extraordinarily vast and with its tissues wide open, is comparable to a tennis court. The mucosa secretes and absorbs large quantities of fluids, the cells allow food, when digested, to enter the body along with other particles which are otherwise toxic, but become a part of our being through fine processing. To sum it up, bacteria is integral to gut health and to overall well being. Bacterial population should be adequate and symbiotic in nature. Millions of them tirelessly work on what is otherwise difficult to digest for a human body and feed us with essential nutrients.

Improving gut health

Whole, unprocessed fiber-rich foods including fruits, vegetables and grains are a blessing. Fiber helps in cleaning up the digestive tract and promotes regularity in waste disposal. A colorful plate represents diversity in nutrition promoting gut bacteria, and playing a huge role in digestion and overall health. Water is essential for the digestive process and staying hydrated cannot be underestimated. Herbal teas such as cummin, ginger, camomile, and ginger-lime don’t just provide digestive support but are refreshing too. Being aware of how different foods work on your specific body type goes a long way in ensuring gut health. It is basic and common knowledge that greasy food, fried food, excess of sugar, excess of spices etc. cause more harm than good and it is best not to indulge in these.

As kids, we are taught to chew what we eat. This simple habit makes it easier for the stomach to digest the food we consume. Taking smaller bites, enjoying what we eat, avoiding distractions such as screens of all shapes and sizes, and practising gratitude towards the food we are consuming – all contribute to better digestion as well as sound physical as well as mental health. Stress is a bad word, even for the digestive function. Mindful eating, meditation, breathing exercises, and investing time in whatever brings you calm and peace go a long way in digestive care. Discipline in waste disposal too is of great importance. Regular bowel movements aided by a healthy diet, hydration, regular exercise and sufficient sleep does wonders in ensuring a healthy gut.

By incorporating these simple and easily doable practices into our daily routine, we could build a healthy digestive system for ourselves, remembering that our gut is the foundation for mentally and physical health.

Our body usually transforms foods at various stages, as part of mastication, digestion and absorption. The body’s physiology is such that at different stages of processing foods, it is facilitated by physical movements and multiple types of enzymes and digestive juices. Based on the types of food, the effort of our digestive organs also varies. For example, a bowl of rice cooked with lots of water is not the same as a risotto – one is high on carbohydrates, and the other is heavier or has high fat content.

Ayurveda helps us understand that specific food items should not be combined because the combinations themselves can be harmful by way of being difficult to digest. A few examples are listed below:

• Milk and fish can cause severe indigestion and food poisoning.
• Meat, honey, sesame, jaggery, milk and black gram can damage the senses organs.

Pigeon meat fried in mustard oil blocks blood circulation and can cause goiter.

• Having milk after eating radish and garlic can lead to skin damage.
• Mango can cause non-specific disorders.
• Black gram and milk can cause non-specific diseases and indigestion.
• Honey mixed with an equal quantity of ghee may lead to non-specific disorders, and can have a poisonous effect.

Metabolism

The best way to boost metabolism is to eat a balanced meal with a moderate serving of protein and vegetables. Foods containing zinc and selenium may have some effect on boosting metabolism. Ginger, bell peppers, green peppers and most of the natural spices may help in boosting metabolism.

Proteins from vegetables as well as animal sources can stimulate metabolism because they need more energy to break down. We should look at having balanced meals with more proteins from the vegetable side, a little from the non-vegetarian – both based on compatibility and our ability to digest. It is also worth noting that some foods slow down metabolism, such as soya and a few from the brassica family of vegetables.

At The Healers’ Clinic, we understand that digestive problems can significantly impact your quality of life. We believe in taking a natural approach to digestive care, utilizing safe, effective and sustainable treatment plans that work harmoniously with your body. Our holistic and integrative approach to digestive care includes a seamless blend of traditional medicine and western biomedicine. Additionally, our nutrition counseling, and small but important modifications to your lifestyle are tailored to suit your individual and specific needs. Our team of highly experienced medical professionals takes a comprehensive approach to health, combining our knowledge of traditional medicine with the latest advancements in western biomedicine. No two individuals are alike, hence we work closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs and goals.

We specialize in treating a wide range of digestive conditions including:

• Acid reflux
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Chronic constipation
• Diarrhea
• Food intolerances and allergies
• Digestive disorders associated with stress and anxiety