Lancet: A variety of factors promote intestinal health and leads to overall health

Lancet: A variety of factors promote intestinal health and leads to overall health.  There is ample evidence that the health of the gastrointestinal tract and its microbiota is essential to overall health, and the absence of pain and disease does promote health.

[Article from “Medical Express”, UK, March 12, 2021] Title: Promoting “intestinal health” may seem good, but its health trends are unclear and often misunderstood.

As stated in an article published in the journal “The Lancet, Gastroenterology and Hepatology”, even researchers do not have a clear definition of “intestinal health”.

How does science explain “gut health”?

The intestine is very important to the overall health and well-being of the human body. The “gut” usually refers to the large intestine (the area where most of the intestinal microbiota lives). One of the resident microorganisms-the intestinal microbiota is constantly being Proved to have an impact on everything from the way the body processes sugar in the diet to the risk of cancer, depression, and dementia.

However, people have not yet reached a clear consensus on the definition of “intestinal health”. This term is not commonly used in medical literature, and researchers or gastroenterologists have not mentioned the aesthetic benefits of intestinal health ( Such as making the abdomen smooth and flat, making the skin shiny).

There are two problems with the statement that product or food lists are beneficial to “intestinal health”. One is the lack of strong scientific evidence to support it, and the other is that it is too simplistic. Important factors for maintaining health (including the health of the gastrointestinal system) include healthy eating, eating patterns, and overall habits.

The effect of fiber on gut health

Fiber as a dietary ingredient can predict intestinal health. There is strong evidence that a high-fiber diet has health benefits for the gastrointestinal tract and other aspects (such as reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes). Most Westerners do not take adequate intake. Dietary fiber, a variety of dietary fiber in food has different effects on intestinal function (and its microbiome). It is still unclear whether these different types of fiber are essential or beneficial to the human body, but excessive intake of certain types of fiber may affect the animal’s large intestine, leading to inflammatory diseases.

Therefore, eating high-fiber foods (including whole wheat grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts) should be part of a diversified diet, rather than just adding 1-2 foods or commodities that claim to improve “intestinal health” .

Optimal diet is highly personalized

For gut and overall health, the optimal diet may be highly personalized, and different people may have different optimal diet composition. Large human studies have shown that the gut microbiota may be the main driver of this personalization. It is also the reason why different people have different ways of metabolizing food.

However, it is currently impossible to define the perfect microbiota, and it is impossible to find the perfect microbiota. Obviously, no product can achieve this goal.

What are the implications of “gut health” for people?

If there are many nuances in the concept of “gut health”, what should we do next? There is ample evidence that the health of the gastrointestinal tract and its microbiota is essential to overall health, and that no pain and disease do Promote health.

But don’t just focus on one food. There is evidence that the most beneficial way for the intestines is to improve the overall diet. The National Healthy Eating Guidelines generally recommend eating a variety of foods (including high-fiber foods), avoid excessive drinking, and pay attention to health. Lifestyle, such as avoiding drug abuse including smoking, over-the-counter and illegal drugs, exercising regularly, maintaining mental health, and learning to relieve stress. Putting all the above factors together may be more helpful to intestinal health than the latest superfoods or boxed cereals.

(source:internet, reference only)

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