The digestive system is also known as the gastrointestinal system begins in the mouth and ends at the anus. It is responsible for enzymatic breakdown of foods into nutrients and facilitates the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream and eliminates the indigestible parts of food from the body. Several factors play a crucial role in governing the health of the gastrointestinal system. One such element is the Microbiota of the gut or in other words the ecosystem of our body.

All About GI

Did you know that the human gut is the most densely populated ecosystem that nature has created? The gut Microbiome as it is often called,  is very crucial in the development, stimulation, and maintenance of our immune system.  It helps to assimilate and digest food, protect us against infection and produce essential nutrients.  It is often referred to as a “super organ” because it plays a vital role in maintaining good health.

What is most important in maintaining the health of your gut is deciding what you put in your mouth.  It is easy to grab a chocolate-covered donut for breakfast that will not only add inches to your waist but also become fodder to the harmful bacteria in your gut and make you feel sluggish, bloated and gassy.  So, make healthy choices.  Proper nutrition goes a long way to keep you slim and fit with a healthy gastrointestinal system.

The holidays are upon us, and it is a time to be with our friends and family, sharing special occasions with particular foods. It is not uncommon to gain weight during the holidays, but with a little care, you can avoid gaining any weight at all.  While it is well known that sugars and fats contribute to weight gain, there is a growing body of scientific evidence that suggests that microorganisms in our gut play an important role in weight gain. With advances in technology, researchers have gained insight into the symbiotic relationship between the intestinal Microbiome and its mammalian host.

Research is evolving on the effect of gut Microbiome on weight gain.  You should not wait for researchers to find the magic bacteria or fungi that make you gain or lose weight. You should take charge of your body and with proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle you can prevent weight gain.

Health Tips

In the upcoming blogs, I will be discussing gastrointestinal nutrition principles as it relates to gut Microbiome and obesity. In the meantime, here are a few simple ways to better the health of your gastrointestinal tract:

•      Do not skip meals.
•      Avoid sugars.
•      Eat a high-fiber diet: choosing whole grains, fruits and vegetables keep your digestive system moving
•      Consume foods with probiotics: Probiotics are the healthy bacteria in your body and foods such as yogurt enhance nutrient absorption
•      Limit the number of processed meats you consume: fatty foods slow down the digestive system.

Mitra Rangarajan is one of the few people in the world who is cross-trained and certified in three interrelated, interconnected and intertwined disciplines which are: Nutrition, Diabetes Management, and Clinical Medicine/GI. Read more of Mitra’s GI Nutrition articles here!