Based on a poll of 234 Abbott parents | Start Date: 10 th September 2009 | End Date: 02 nd November 2009
Dead centre, and starting from the mouth, traversing the abdomen and ending at the anus, is the hollow tube called the digestive tract. Also called the gut by the layman, the digestive tract and other organs, the liver and pancreas, work together to help the body break down and absorb food. Digestion is important as it is vital to sustenance of life and it is the process by which food and drink are broken down so the body can use them to build and nourish cells and to provide energy.
When the gut is in tip-top shape, food moves down the tract, nutrients are absorbed and waste excreted. All this is controlled by a carefully orchestrated mechanism of enzymes, hormones, and nerves. Any disturbance in the optimal functioning of this system can lead to discomfort – which ranges from simple indigestion and constipation to chronic diarrhoea and frank malabsorption. Breakdown of gut health impacts growth and health of children and adults.
Taking care of the gut is not a new phenomenon. Home remedies range from drinking more water, and eating more fibre. Some strange and unscientific methods have been promoted such as colonic irrigation and coffee enemas. These are unproven and in some cases even, unsafe.
New discoveries have also demonstrated the importance of the integrity of the lining of the digestive tract as well as the right balance of good and bad gut bacteria – all that need to work in perfect harmony for optimal gut health. Here's what you told us that you do when you take care of the gut.
At the bottom of this daily habit must be the knowledge that these goodies of nature are great sources of fibre. Fibre comes in different forms, depending on their chain length and structure. Depending on the innate characteristics – insoluble fibres (such as whole grain fibres) hurry gut content through the tract – reducing exposure to toxins and ensuring fecal bulk. Some fibres form soft gels in the gut and help modulate glucose and cholesterol absorption. Still other fibres escape the digestive processes to reach the colon intact. Here they are broken down by friendly gut bugs and these produce short chain fatty acids (SCFA) – unique fuels that are preferred for energy and repair by intestinal cells. SCFA also reduce colonic acidity and help body-friendly bugs thrive while preventing disease causing germs from multiplying in great numbers.
Apart from that fruit and vegetables are great sources of fluids and many vitamins, minerals and functional components. These not only nourish the body but the gut cells as well.
Water can come in many forms – water per se, milk, juice, soup and even food. So, enjoy a variety of fluids to ensure that you and your children are well hydrated for bowel comfort. Hot, humid climate, activities that cause intense sweat loss – all work together to increase fluid loss.
Adequate fluid intake helps bowel movement and bowel comfort. Higher the fibre content of the diet, the higher should be the water intake. Dehydration impacts stool consistency and may cause individuals to suffer from constipation. Constipation unattended can result in piles and hernia – conditions that are painful and uncomfortable. So, if your kids complain or you notice that pooing is no more that easy, step up the fluid intake and check if there is some stool softening.
Many ancient cultures report consumption of fermented milks and people knew of their value in promoting health and longevity. We know now that these good bugs (used to ferment milk) live harmoniously with us in the gut. Breastfed babies have more bifido and lacto bacilli bugs.
Consuming live and robust probiotic bacteria which survive digestion and get to the colon alive will help keep the large intestine flora and environment in better shape. Dairy products – such as follow – on formula milk powder, growing up milk, and cultured or fermented milk are sources of these friendly bugs.
Just like each and every one of us have our favourite foods, the friendly probiotic bacteria in the colon, eat and thrive on unique fibres called prebiotics. These small chains of sugars get to the gut undigested to provide a feast for the good bacteria. While these fibres are available in onions, artichokes and other unique plant foods, the modern diet falls short of sufficient amount. Now prebiotics of choice are added to foods and beverages, including milk powders to support the growth of selected probiotics.
As long as the gut works, some of us get by just doing nothing different. Well if that works well for now, keep going.
For expert advice on adult nutrition, please contact Abbott Nutrition Careline at 6278–6220.
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