What You Should Understand About Digestive Health

Doctors and scientists have known for a long time that the food we consume, coupled with our GI wellness, can have a notable influence on our health outcomes and quality of life. Modern advances in research, however, convey that the correlation between GI health and entire well-being is much deeper than what we previously realized.

The GI physicians at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants aspire to be at the forefront of GI health research so we can better inform and help our patients. If you've never thought about how your digestive health could impact your entire body, read below to learn more from our DFW digestive health providers.

Why is digestive health essential?

First, it helps to establish what the phrase "gut health" refers to. Inside your intestines are trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that come together to form a microbiome. A microbiome might be affected by a number of elements, which include the foods you ingest and the organisms within the environment.

As our diets have changed and sanitation habits evolved, researchers have seen a decline in the microbial diversity of those living in developed countries. At the same time, doctors have seen a climb in cases of asthma, food hypersensitivity, and other illnesses in those populations. While our understanding of the microbiome is still limited, a number of researchers presume that such trends point to a close connection between gastrointestinal health and overall wellness.

But that's not all – evidence indicates that an irregular microbiome might be an indicator in the advancement of chronic illnesses (like inflammatory bowel disease), autoimmune diseases, and some psychological conditions such as depression.

What can be done to boost my GI health?

The ideal way to strengthen your digestive health is by practicing habits that will help you cultivate a healthy microbiome. These involve:

• Consuming a varied, balanced diet
• Supplementing your natural microbes with probiotic foods such as sauerkraut, yogurt, etc.
• Consuming food items that are high in fiber
• Restricting the consumption of overly processed foods and alcohol
• Frequent exercise and maintaining physical activity
• Losing excess weight

You can also monitor your gastrointestinal health by taking note of changes in your digestion, whether you're experiencing discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or any other unusual sensations. It is crucial to connect with a GI doctor if you experience any unsettling symptoms. The digestive specialists at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants will work to get to the root of your GI issues and help you progress with an effective treatment so you can live comfortably.

When should I get help for my GI symptoms?

In the event minor gastrointestinal issues (like stomach pains, diarrhea, bloating, or heartburn) do not clear up in a two-week stretch on their own or with help from OTC medication, it is time to seek out professional care. These symptoms could at times be a signal of an underlying GI concern. It's important to record your symptoms, in addition to how often they occur, their severity, and what might be causing them, as this information can assist your physician in evaluating any concerns and recommending a course of action. Consistent or severe symptoms need to be assessed by a digestive professional.

Additionally, we strongly urge that you connect with a gastroenterologist as soon as possible if you are dealing with severe pain, rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits, or if your symptoms coexist with vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. Keep in mind that it is typically better to be careful than sorry when it comes to your health. Contact our office today to meet with an experienced GI doctor in DFW who can provide the care you require to live in comfort again without the discomfort of GI troubles.

Locate a GI doctor in DFW

Researchers have only begun to scratch the surface when it comes to understanding how the digestive system could influence someone's general health. In the event you develop gut health issues or are at increased risk of diseases or conditions like colon cancer as a result of family history or other determinants, we request that you connect with a board-certified gastroenterologist at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants. Our skilled GI providers serve the health needs of the community with compassion and advanced ability. Connect with our DFW gastroenterology practice as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.