Advice For Maintaining A Healthy Digestive Health

The intestines of an adult have as many cells as they have bacteria. More than 70% of these bacteria live in the colon and act as a kind of organ by performing functions that are important for a healthy digestive health. As you can see, it is very important to be kind to our gut bacteria in order to have a healthy digestive system.

Read on to learn more!

To maintain a healthy digestive health

Fermentable fiber

Most bacteria in the colon are anaerobic and participate in the digestive process via the fermentation process. Fermentable fibers include pectins, slime, fructans, resistant starches and polyphenols. Fermentable fiber like this is found in fruits, vegetables and tubers.

Bacteria produce short chain fatty acids from this fiber, especially butyrate, propionate and acetate. These connections are essential for several functions :

• To maintain our colon health in the form of regulating acidic pH levels, energy substrate for colonocytes, production of mucins and antimicrobial peptides, etc.
• For optimal function of the immune system such as controlling inflammation and lymphocyte production.

In addition to providing short-chain fatty acids, the fermentation process of the fiber in the colon also produces a certain amount of gas. This is mainly CO2, but also hydrogen and methane. These make up a large part of the gases that a person emits daily. Other gases such as nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen sulfide complete the composition.

This is the reason why the fermentation processes in the colon are both healthy and necessary for a healthy intestinal health, despite the fact that they can smell a little when they come out.

The effect of bile on your digestive health

Bile is a yellowish fluid produced by the liver. It is stored in the gallbladder and released during the digestive processes. Bile performs antimicrobial and digestive functions by emulsifying fats so that the digestive enzymes can digest them.

Most of the bile acid is reabsorbed at the end of the small intestine. However, a small portion escapes into the colon. Once there, it can accelerate intestinal transit, and may even cause diarrhea when bile is not properly absorbed. Furthermore, people with irritable bowel syndrome or who have a predisposition to constipation may have a reduced bile flow.

Tips for maintaining a healthy digestive health

In addition to consuming fermentable fiber, which we get from fruits and vegetables, these tips can help maintain a healthy bile flow in those with constipation, odorless gases or other natural ailments. However, it is very important that we first consult our doctor to hear what he or she has to say.

Furthermore, it is important to have a balanced acidic pH level in the stomach. In fact, lower production of hydrochloric acid is associated with gallstones. Therefore you must:

• Eat when you are hungry
• Drink freshly squeezed lemon juice before meals
• Take Betain HCl supplements if you need them

You can also add a few drops of standardized bitter preparations, such as artichokes, Benedictine thistle, Maria thistle, gentian root, bitter chamomile and bitter orange to the lemon juice. These plants help expel bile and can help you with discomfort after eating. However, you should consult your doctor before taking them.

Other tips to take care of your digestive health

Drink coffee before eating anything else in the morning. This is because the stimulating effect it has on the gallbladder can help the digestive system. However, you should not consume too much of it, as it can cause addiction.

Have a diet that is rich in healthy fats, as the fats found in certain foods promote contraction of the gallbladder and can help maintain proper bile flow. For example, if you have problems going to the bathroom, try consuming more extra virgin olive oil.

Conclusion

If you are one of those who have a diet rich in fermentable fiber and you often suffer from constipation, have odorless gases and your doctor has ruled out an organic-based condition, these tricks will help you stimulate bile flow. This may be just what you need to achieve better digestive health.