World Digestive Health Day: Symptoms of an unhealthy gut

Every year on May 29 people gather to observe World Digestive Health Day (WDHD).

The adage "A healthy gut is a healthy you" is true. But, in the everyday quest for wellness, the gut, a vital component of our health, is frequently ignored.

The human digestive system is an intricate web of organs and bacteria that is crucial to our health. It is time to acknowledge the significant influence a healthy gut has on both our physical and emotional well-being.

This international observance aims to increase knowledge of digestive issues and underline the value of prompt diagnosis and treatment for gastrointestinal illnesses.

It's critical to pay attention to early indications of weakened gut health in order to stop these possible diseases in their tracks.

"It’s been stated that the stomach is the body’s second brain, and having an unhealthy gut can have a negative impact on the rest of your body," Dr Aniket Mule, consultant internal medicine at Wockhardt Hospitals, said.

"To understand why this occurs, it is necessary to first understand how a fully functioning gut should work," he added.

The expert explained that having "one to two well-formed and easy-to-pass bowel movements every day" indicates that one has a healthy gut.

"Symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation, and loose stools should be absent. Other markers of a healthy gut include the absence of rectal symptoms such as haemorrhoids as well as stomach symptoms such as gas, bloating, and discomfort," Dr Mule said.

He continued by saying that when your stomach is healthy, you are less likely to develop skin conditions, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory reactions, and other health problems.

Dr Vijay Kumar Gurjar, senior consultant and head of Internal Medicine department at Primus Super Specialty Hospital of India, while agreeing with Dr Mule, stated that persistent bloating, gas, or abdominal pain are some clear indicators of a disturbed digestive system.

"Constipation or diarrhoea that lasts longer than a few days might potentially be warning indications of a problem. Fatigue, decreased appetite, and unexplained weight loss or gain may be signs of underlying digestive problems," said Dr Gurjar.

Dr Gurjar suggested: "A healthcare expert should be seen if you consistently encounter any symptoms — like persistent heartburn, acid reflux, or blood in the stool — in order to receive an accurate diagnosis and sound advice."

Furthermore, Adi Rakesh Kumar, consultant gastroenterologist at Yashoda Hospitals in Indian city of Hyderabad, suggested that to keep your gut healthy, you must eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, have probiotics and fermented foods, and limit processed foods and sugars.

He also said that it is crucial to control portion sizes, chew food thoroughly, manage stress, exercise regularly, get sufficient sleep, and practice good food safety.