Improve your Gut Instincts

An epidemic of digestive diseases is being seen with one in four people with gastrointestinal problems. The problems are so severe that it disrupts their regular routine and also leads to prolonged treatment to get the gastrointestinal track back to normal. Increasing cases of heartburn, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome are being noted, stated experts who have termed it as a ‘virtual epidemic’.

Long gaps between eating is troublesome The most important reason for the rise in the cases of heartburn, ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems is dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle. The food patterns have changed with high dependence on junk food, spicy and very heavy masala and oily foods which are consumed on a regular basis. To add to this, eating outside very frequently has increased the infection caused by H.plyori bacteria which occurs due to eating unclean food. Other reasons are haphazard lifestyle, stress and strain and also irregular food timings.

Dr K Soma Sekhar Rao, senior consultant medical gastroenterologist at Apollo Hospitals, explains, “Eating after long intervals more fatty and less fibre food is the most common habit seen in younger and middle-aged adults presently. In 80 per cent of the patients, we find that apart from wrong dietary habits, the timing of eating food is also a major concern. Due to the increasing levels of stress, there has been an increase in the cases of irritable bowel syndrome which is also called as the sensitive gut.”

Sensitive gut or Irritable Bowel syndrome is diagnosed when patients complain of altered bowel habits, pain in the abdomen and other symptoms related to gut, but when investigated no abnormalities are detected.

Normal lifestyle disturbed due to gastro issues Food preservatives, additives and essences are being consumed more as a large number of people are opting for ready to eat foods, eating outside and also using them at home in preparation of foods. Earlier, these were a one-time affair or used only on special occasions. These are found to damage the mucosal lining of the digestive track leading to a range of gastrointestinal problems. Some of the cases of the gastrointestinal track are so severe that it disrupts normal lifestyle.

Dr Rakesh K, consultant gastroenterologist explains, “Severe gastrointestinal problems are found to impair daily activities, affect concentration on work and trigger irritable behaviour with depression. If not attended on time, it can lead to severe malignancy.”

Options to deal with GI problems Balanced diet with low carbohydrates, low fats and high proteins. Diets rich in minerals, trace elements and vitamin B4. Natural remedies like curcumin (like haldi powder) is good for GI track and helps prevent cancer. Curd is a natural probiotic which keeps the gut healthy. Honey with lemon also works as a good cleanser for the intestinal system.

Tips for prevention Do not eat after long intervals; food must be consumed at proper time.