The gut, the meandering river of life, plays a vital role in our bodies. It is not only an important place to digest food and absorb nutrients, but also the guardian saint of our health. However, with the acceleration of the pace of modern life and the change of dietary habits, gut health problems are becoming more and more prominent.
1. What work should be done by the intestines?
The first task of the gut is to digest and absorb food. Food undergoes a series of complex chemical reactions in the intestines and is finally converted into nutrients needed by the body, such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, etc. At the same time, the gut is also responsible for eliminating waste and toxins, ensuring a clean and stable environment in our body.
- 90% of toxins enter the intestine: This underscores the role of the intestine as the main route of toxin exposure. When we consume foods or beverages that contain harmful chemicals, they first enter our intestines.
- 80% of toxins are stored in the gut: This data suggests that the gut is capable of storing large amounts of potentially harmful substances, which may be one of the reasons for weight gain and poor health.
- 70% of toxins are excreted from the intestines: Fortunately, the intestines also have a very effective detoxification system, which excretes these toxins mainly through the feces to maintain good health.
- 90% of the blood is water, 70% of which comes from the intestines: Water is an indispensable part of the body, it helps transport nutrients and eliminate waste products. The gut plays a key role in water absorption, and impaired intestinal function can affect the water balance of the entire body.
2. What kind of damage is the intestine most afraid of?
- Poor eating habits: Foods high in oil, sugar, and salt will put a heavy burden on the intestines, disrupt the balance of intestinal flora, and lead to constipation, diarrhea and other problems.
- Lack of exercise: Long-term sedentary life can slow down bowel movements and increase the risk of intestinal diseases.
- Mental stress: Long-term mental stress can affect the functioning of the enteric nervous system, leading to intestinal dysfunction.
- Substance abuse: The abuse of drugs such as antibiotics can disrupt the balance of intestinal flora and affect gut health.
3. Detect intestinal abnormalities as soon as possible
Intestinal problems tend to be insidious, so early detection of intestinal abnormalities is crucial. Here are some common gut abnormality signals:
- Constipation or diarrhea: Prolonged constipation or diarrhea can be a sign of an intestinal disorder.
- Abdominal pain: Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort may be a manifestation of intestinal inflammation, ulcers, and other problems.
- Weight loss: Weight loss for no apparent reason may be associated with intestinal disorders.
- Blood in the stool: Blood in the stool can be a sign of intestinal tumors, polyps, and other diseases.
Fourth, how to make the gut healthier
- Eat a reasonable diet: Eat more foods rich in dietary fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, etc., which can help promote intestinal peristalsis and maintain intestinal health.
- Moderate exercise: Moderate exercise can promote intestinal peristalsis and enhance intestinal function.
- Stress Reduction and Relaxation: Learning to release stress and maintain a good mood can help maintain gut health.
- Regular check-ups: Regular bowel examinations, such as colonoscopy, can help detect intestinal diseases early.
5. The relationship between probiotics and intestinal health
Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria in the gut that help digest food, synthesize vitamins, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, and more. Probiotics are important allies in the maintenance of gut health, and they can help:
- Restore microflora balance: Probiotics increase the number of good bacteria in the gut and help fight off harmful bacteria.
- Boosts immune function: Probiotics can strengthen the intestinal mucosal barrier and boost immunity.
- Promotes digestion: They help break down food and improve the absorption of nutrients.
Therefore, maintaining a balance of probiotics in the gut is essential for maintaining gut health. We can increase the number of probiotics in the gut by consuming foods containing probiotics (such as yogurt, kimchi, etc.) or supplementing with probiotic preparations.
6. Selection of probiotics
When choosing a probiotic, you should pay attention to the following:
- Strain type: Select strains that have been supported by research, such as LGG® Lactobacillus rhamnosus, BB-12 Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis.
- Live Bacteria Guarantee: Make sure that the product contains a sufficient number of active strains.
- Brand reputation: Choose a well-known brand with good manufacturing standards (GMP), such as Baiyunshan Weiyi Elderberry Probiotics.
- Doctor's advice: Consult your doctor or dietitian for advice before adding any probiotic supplements.
Gut health is related to our overall health. Through a reasonable diet, moderate exercise, stress reduction and relaxation, regular physical examinations and probiotic supplementation, we can effectively maintain intestinal health and make the river of life more unimpeded.