Busting the most common gut health myths
A top priority for health conscious individuals, digestive health will determine the overall wellness and health of humans. It not only prevents digestive issues but also promotes weight management and boosts your immunity. The gut microbiome can keep you in good mood and in good health at all times. However, a lot of misconceptions prevail when it comes to digestive wellness. Most of these can lead you into taking wrong decisions and spending on products that might not deliver any value to you. If you wish to optimize your gut health, you need to know about the myths and misconceptions which prevail around the subject.
Myth 1 – All bacteria in your gut are bad
This is the biggest myth most individuals have. You might be surprised to know that the digestive tract is home to trillions of bacteria and many of them are actually beneficial for you. Human microbiomes are friendly bacteria which live on the skin and inside the gut. They help break down the food you consume and also regulate the metabolism so as to protect you from infections. The bacteria have a strong relationship with the digestive system in your body and they boost immunity as well as help in the digestion of food. They also derive nutrition from the food you consume and give your body the much needed nutrition. Hence, you need to eat right and feed the good bacteria.
Myth 2 – Healthy eating is limited to keeping a track of fat, sugar and calories
Many people think that eating healthy is only about keeping a track of the calories and fat we consume. If you believe in the same, you are wrong. Eating mindfully is so much more important because it will help you cultivate the good microbes inside the body. You could be loading on the calories but the microbes might be starving in the absence of the food they need to grow on and survive. You need to eat food that is good for you and your microbiome. Do not fulfill your calorie requirements by simply eating sugar and unhealthy fat. You need to stick to complex foods that are difficult to break down as it will give a lot to the healthy bacteria in your gut and will also help you in weight loss.
Myth 3 – Eat enough fiber and your digestive health will be optimum
There is no denying the fact that dietary fiber is good for your health but the statement is not totally true. A daily intake of 30 g of fiber through foods like grains, vegetables and fruits will be enough for the amount of fiber your body needs. However, only doing this will not guarantee a good gut health. You will have to load on a variety of fiber rich foods to nourish the microbiomes which live inside your bowel.
Myth 4 – Spicy food could lead to ulcer
Another myth about digestive health is that if you eat spicy foods, you could end up with an ulcer. However, if you are a spicy food lover, you need not worry here because these sores are attributed to the bacteria inside the gut and not on the food you consume. A lot of medications like aspirin could elevate the risk of a stomach ulcer. If you already have an ulcer, spicy foods can aggravate the same but they cannot cause one. Cultivate a healthy microbiome so as to avoid the chances of a stomach ulcer.
Myth 5 – All probiotic supplements are equal
A plus for your gut health, probiotic supplements are ideal for consumption but they all are not the same. Each and every product will vary in terms of the composition and its effect. This is why it should be chosen with care. The strains of organisms used in the making of the supplement will vary with each product. You need to go through the product information carefully before making a purchase.
Microbes play a crucial role in your gut health and it is important to take steps to allow the growth of good microbes. It will not only have a substantial impact on your body but will also enhance the mental health. Keep these gut health myths in mind when you make a decision about the type of food to consume or the supplements you should use. Do not blindly pick up a supplement because it promises high results, compare the ingredients and make a well informed decision about the same.
