Why You Need To Take Digestive Health Seriously
You may be surprised to learn that your digestive system does more than just digest food. Your gastrointestinal tract affects nearly every other system in your body, which is why it is so important to take your gut health seriously. The doctors at Northeastern Gastroenterology Associates in Honesdale, PA, want you to know why good digestive health should be a priority.
Affects Mental Health
Your gut houses 90 percent of the serotonin and dopamine in your body, which are major contributors to your mental wellbeing. Your digestive system releases these chemicals as well as many other neurotransmitters that affect your mood. When your gut is unhealthy, your moods will likely follow suit. Studies show that people diagnosed with digestive disorders such as IBS or Celiac Disease tend to suffer from depression and anxiety.
Influences Your Immune System
Beneficial gut flora activates immune functions in the cells when faced with invading bacteria. A healthy digestive system has a balance of good and bad bacteria that allow the flora to strengthen the walls of your gut. This strengthening creates a physical barrier that fights off infection. When the walls are compromised, pathogens can enter your bloodstream, which triggers inflammation in your body, and can lead to many health conditions such as asthma and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Prevents Serious Digestive Diseases
The inflammation triggered by your gut’s response to pathogens can lead to major problems in your digestive tract. Conditions like Crohn’s Disease, IBS, and even colon cancer can result from poor digestive health, though some diseases can result from heredity. Ensuring that you are treating your body well by eating the proper diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising will help keep chronic diseases at bay.
Better Digestion
A healthy lifestyle also makes digestion much easier. The balance of bacteria in your gastrointestinal system affects the way food moves through your digestive tract. Healthy systems allow food to move easily and at the right pace for proper nutrient absorption and bowel elimination. When your system struggles with diets high in fat and sugar, you can suffer from abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea.
These reasons and so many more are why it is important to maintain proper digestive health. Your digestive system does a lot of work, and when you treat it well, you suffer fewer abdominal aches and pains, plus you are potentially saving yourself from more serious diseases. Northeast Gastroenterology Associates is ready to answer any questions you may have about your digestive health. Call to schedule an appointment today.