Digestive Health
Digestive health encompasses a variety of different issues, including nutrition, healthy dieting, and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, many other deadly conditions are linked to digestive health in some way, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, some types of cancer, and non-insulin-dependent diabetes.What we eat accounts for a large part of our overall health. Unfortunately, America has not always been raised to seek out the most appropriate foods. In fact, the typical menu for most Americans is known as the Standard American Dietor SAD. This diet is associated with increased amounts of red meat, sugar-based desserts, fatty foods, and refined grains, along with high-fat dairy products, sugary drinks, and eggs. When followed in excess, this diet shows increased risk for the conditions mentioned above.In contrast, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, as well as healthy fatty acids, is recommended for healthful living by the American Heart Association. The World Health Organization also recommends increased amounts of nuts and whole grains with limited salt and sodium consumption. Vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids will also help your body feel their best.In addition to colon cancer, other conditions which can affect the gastrointestinal system include gastroenteritis (stomach flu), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and appendicitis. In the most extreme cases, the appendix must be removed.Even when digestive diseases do not reach the above levels, though, a poor diet can still lead to discomfort and embarrassment. Belching, flatulence, and bloating are commonly associated with junk foods like soda and candy (bloating can also be due to some vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower).Maintaining an appropriate weight is also important to digestive health. While the proper weight differs from person to person, staying at a consistent weight (with both diet and exercise) is always recommended. Obesity can lead to conditions ranging from hemorrhoids and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD to esophageal cancer.