Thông báo
CẢM ƠN QUÝ KHÁCH ĐÃ ĐẶT LỊCH KHÁM TẠI AIH.
Quý khách có muốn đăng ký thông tin trước không?
Vui lòng điền vào thông tin bên dưới
Khẩn cấp
"SECRETS" ABOUT THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: THE IMMUNE CENTER AND THE "SECOND BRAIN" OF THE BODY
The digestive system is not only the place where food is processed but also a ”second brain” of the body. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the intestine contains over 100 million nerve cells stretching from the esophagus to the colon, and functionating almost independently of the brain.
Enteric Nervous System (ENS) controls the entire process of digestion: from swallowing, enzyme secretion, blood flow for nutrient absorption, to waste elimination.
The special thing is that the ENS and the Central Nervous System (CNS) have two-way communication. This is why stress, and anxiety can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, or constipation. Conversely, long-term digestive disorders can negatively impact mood, causing anxiety or depression.
The role of microbiomes and immunity
The digestive system is also an immune center: over 70% of the body's immune cells are in the gut. It is also home to trillions of microorganisms (microbiota), which play an important role in:
Supporting digestion and nutrient absorption.
Participating in the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, affecting emotions and sleep.
Helping to strengthen immunity, protecting the body from inflammation and chronic diseases.
An imbalance in the microbiota due to stress, poor diet, antibiotic abuse, etc., will lead to many problems: digestive disorders, reduced immunity, and even changes in emotions and cognition.
Stress and the gut-brain circle
Stress not only affects mental well-being but also directly impacts the digestive system. When the body is under stress:
The Enteric Nervous System (ENS) is overstimulated, leading to abnormal contractions, which can result in abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation.
The microbiota becomes imbalanced, causing inflammation and negatively affecting mental state.
When a stress-gut-brain circle occurs, it leads to a mutual deterioration of physical and mental health.
Therefore, caring for the digestive system is also a way to reduce stress and stabilize emotions.
Signs of an unhealthy gut
An unhealthy digestive system can manifest through various symptoms, which can differ from person to person. Some common signs include poor digestion, bloating, abdominal pain, and acid reflux. For example, if you frequently experience bloating or discomfort after eating certain foods, this could indicate that gut bacteria are not effectively breaking down the proteins in those foods.
Another common symptom of an unhealthy gut is acne. Some individuals tend to break out after consuming foods rich in refined sugars and saturated fats.
Common digestive diseases
An unhealthy digestive system not only affects daily activities but can also lead to digestive diseases. Conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) can significantly impact health. GORD can cause symptoms like heartburn, discomfort in the lower chest, and a sensation of food being "stuck" when swallowing, while NUD causes upper abdominal discomfort, accompanied by nausea and belching.
These diseases are closely linked to lifestyle, including the type of food consumed, sleep quality, habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption, and daily physical activity levels.
Additionally, stress is a common factor that can lead to digestive diseases. Stress can negatively impact the body, stimulating and exacerbating the symptoms of digestive diseases. Understanding the relationship between lifestyle habits, stress levels, and the development of digestive pathologies is key to maintaining a healthy gut.
By finding methods to adopt a healthy lifestyle that supports the gut, we can reduce the risk of these diseases.
Nutrition and lifestyle – the key to nurturing the “second brain”
To maintain a healthy digestive system and reduce the risk of digestive diseases, pay attention to the following habits:
1. Get enough rest and manage stress
Sleeping 7–9 hours each night helps your body and gut recover. Add stress-reducing activities like meditation, deep breathing, or relaxing hobbies to your daily routine.
2. Drink enough water
Maintaining 1.5–2 liters of water per day helps support digestion and keep the gut hydrated. If you exercise a lot or sweat frequently, increase your water intake accordingly.
3. Eat whole, fiber-rich foods
Limit processed foods and sweets to avoid inflammation and an imbalance of beneficial bacteria. Supplement with vegetables, fruits, and foods rich in probiotics and prebiotics to maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
4. Maintain physical activity
Exercise is not only good for the body and mind but also improves gut bacteria. Choose activities you enjoy such as walking, jogging, cycling, and make them a habit.
5. Regular health check-ups
Prevention is always better than cure. Undergo regular check-ups and perform tests such as colonoscopy or gastroscopy as directed by your doctor. If there is a family history of colorectal cancer, these should be performed earlier.
Reference:
--------------------
Để lại bình luận