The importance of gut health: why digestive wellness matters

        Recently, gut health has become an increasingly popular health topic, correlating with rising awareness of the importance of caring for our digestive system. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 60 to 70 million people are affected by digestive diseases in the United States.
        Having a healthy gut is important for maintaining overall health. The bacteria and other tiny organisms in our intestines, collectively called the “microbiome,” help with many bodily functions. Some of their jobs include supporting the immune system, stopping harmful bacteria from growing too much, helping to control hormones, influencing metabolism, connecting the gut and brain and helping to produce energy.
        The microbiome helps control inflammation and an imbalance in gut bacteria (dysbiosis) has been linked to many health issues including inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis as well as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
        A healthy gut is a happy gut
        Diet impacts gut health by influencing the composition of the microbiome. Specific components of the diet can either promote a healthy gut balance or contribute to imbalance, which can lead to many of the above-mentioned symptoms or disorders.
        Beneficial foods include those high in fiber, such as oats, psyllium husk, fruits and vegetables, which promote the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and lactobacillus. Also beneficial are natural sources of probiotics such as fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kombucha, which contain live beneficial bacteria.
        Furthermore, the Mediterranean diet has been shown to improve gut microbiome diversity and reduce inflammation.
        On the other hand, highly processed foods can be harmful as they tend to be high in sugar, unhealthy fats (saturated and trans) and additives, leading to higher levels of inflammation in the body.
        Regular physical activity has been shown to contribute to the diversity of gut bacteria, promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, decrease inflammation and support gut barrier integrity. High-quality sleep is important as well and helps to regulate inflammation. Chronic stress can negatively impact the microbiome by altering the balance between good and bad bacteria and increasing gut permeability and inflammation.
        Negative impacts on gut health
        Signs and symptoms of poor gut health can manifest in various ways, including gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain and discomfort, gassiness and even constipation. They can also include nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorption, weight loss, and more systemic problems, such as fatigue, weakness, anemia and mental health issues like depression and poor concentration.
        Lifestyle factors, including smoking and alcohol consumption, can lead to gut issues and increase the risk of colon cancer. These habits can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome and worsen chronic inflammation, contributing to increased gut permeability or “leakiness.” Though this is a concept that is still mostly relevant in research studies, there is a link between gut permeability and increased levels of inflammation throughout the body.
        Smokers have been shown to have a higher risk of developing colorectal polyps and cancer. Excessive alcohol intake can disrupt the gut balance, promote inflammation and lead to damage to the lining of the colon, all of which can increase the risk of cancer.
        Physical inactivity and obesity both contribute to higher risks for colon cancer as well, primarily through increased levels of chronic inflammation and changes in metabolism.
        Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
        March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – an observance that raises awareness about colorectal cancer, promotes screening, and supports research and treatment efforts. 
        Perhaps most important to be aware of is that the most common symptom of colorectal cancer can be no symptoms at all. By the time the classic symptoms of rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, unintentional weight loss or anemia are present, cancer has already developed and may have spread beyond the colon. That is why routine screening for colon cancer is essential, beginning at age 45 for those of average risk.
        The best screening test is the one that you are willing to do, as any screening is better than no screening. There are different options, each with its benefits and downsides, however, colonoscopy is the only test that can both identify and remove precancerous growths (polyps) during the same procedure. Be sure to discuss with your doctor which test is best for you.
        S. Bashar Almadani, MD, MPH, is a gastroenterologist at ProMedica Physicians Digestive Healthcare.