Facts You Need to Know About Digestive Health

Scientists and doctors have known for a long time that the food we consume, and our GI wellness, can have a notable impact on our health outcomes and quality of life. Modern advances in research, however, illustrate that the correlation between a person's GI health and overall well-being is even stronger than what we already knew.

The gastroenterologists at Adult Gastroenterology Associates aim to be at the center of digestive health research so that we can better inform and serve the needs of our patients. If you've never thought about how your digestive health might affect your entire body, take a few minutes now to gain more insight from our Tulsa, OK digestive health practitioners.

Why is GI health important?

First, it may be helpful to establish what the phrase "gut health" means. Within your digestive system are an abundance of bacteria, fungi, and additional microbes that together form a microbiome. A microbiome can be impacted by multiple factors, like the foods you ingest and the organisms present in the environment.

Over time, as our diets have changed and our sanitation behaviors improved, researchers have observed a decrease in the microbial diversity of individuals living in developed places. Nevertheless, doctors have spotted a rise in instances of asthma, food allergies, and other conditions in those populations. While our understanding of the microbiome is still being researched, a number of scientists think that these types of tendencies (or trends) point to a close relationship between GI health and overall wellness.

That isn't all – evidence indicates that a disproportional microbiome may play a role in the advancement of chronic conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), autoimmune disorders, and some mental health conditions such as depression.

What can be done to help improve my digestive health?

The ideal method to enhance your digestive health is by practicing principles that can help you develop a healthy microbiome. These comprise of:

• Eating an assorted, balanced diet
• Eating probiotic foods to supplement your natural microbes like yogurt, sauerkraut, etc.
• Eating foods that are high in fiber
• Limiting consumption of processed foods and substances like alcohol
• Regular exercise and maintaining an active lifestyle
• Losing additional weight (if overweight)

You could also monitor your digestive health by paying attention to changes in your digestion, whether you're experiencing discomfort, diarrhea, bloating, constipation, or any other uncommon issues. It is crucial to connect with a GI doctor if you are dealing with any disturbing symptoms. The digestive providers at Adult Gastroenterology Associates will work to get to the root cause of your gastrointestinal problems and help you move forward with treatment so you can live without distress.

When should I visit a doctor for GI symptoms?

If minor GI symptoms (including stomach discomfort, diarrhea, bloating, or heartburn) fail to clear up in a two-week stretch on their own or with help from OTC medication, it is time to seek professional care. These symptoms could periodically be an indicator of an underlying gut concern. It's crucial to be aware of your symptoms, on top of how often they occur, their severity, and what could be causing them, as these findings may assist your physician in evaluating any problems and identifying a course of action. Routine or serious symptoms ought to be assessed by a gastrointestinal provider.

Additionally, we strongly recommend that you speak with a gastroenterologist without delay if you are experiencing rectal bleeding, severe pain, a change in bowel habits, or if your set of symptoms coincides with vomiting, fever, or diarrhea. Keep in mind that it is generally better to be careful than sorry as it relates to your health. Schedule an appointment with our office today to meet with a trained GI doctor in Tulsa, OK who can offer the support you need to live comfortably without discomfort or GI troubles.

Visit a GI doctor in Tulsa, OK

Medical research has only just started to break the surface when determining how the digestive system can impact someone's overall health. If you experience gut health issues or are at increased risk of diseases or conditions like colon cancer due to family history or other determinants, we invite you to reach out to a board-certified gastroenterologist at Adult Gastroenterology Associates. Our seasoned providers address the health needs of every patient with compassion and advanced expertise. Connect with our Tulsa, OK GI physicians today to request a consultation.