Dr Carla Cyrino, a Brazilian general dentist, Dr Ruhil Badiani, a British GP at Cornerstone Clinic, along with Prof. Dr Giovanni Leonetti, an Italian general surgeon and gastroenterologist specialist, provide insights into how gut health begins in the mouth and offer the top 5 tips to maintain gut health.
The mouth is the initial point of contact with the food that will subsequently enter your digestive system. This shows the significant impact of these events on gut health. Just like the gut, the mouth has its own bacteria, known as the oral microbiome, and sometimes an imbalance in this microbiome can directly affect the gut. Another critical aspect of gut health is chewing. Chewing, which is influenced by dental health, alignment, and the presence of missing teeth, along with the chemical digestion facilitated by enzymes in the saliva, can also impact how food is broken down before it reaches the gut. A dentist can identify any oral symptoms that may indicate a dysbiosis of the oral microbiome and suggest ways to restore balance.
High stress levels, especially if we’re talking about chronic stress, have a tremendous negative effect on our gut microbiome. Finding ways to reduce stress in your life is essential, both mentally and physically. Although life is stressful at times, there are still plenty of things to do to relax and feel better to prevent any consequences on our bodies.
Most people know that water makes up over 50% of human bodies. Therefore, it goes without saying that staying hydrated is vital for our overall well-being, including gut health. Water will improve digestion, prevent constipation, and increase the diversity of ‘good’ bacteria in your gut.
Prebiotics are diet supplements that ‘feed’ the good bacteria in your gut. Probiotics are the good bacteria that gut needs to stay healthy. Therefore, both of them can significantly boost gut microbiome.
Exercise or physical activity helps with a positive gut health. While it may seem simple, brisk walking and biking can significantly impact digestive fitness. During the quick movement of biking or walking, the digestive system is stimulated by the movement. This mobility causes the stomach and intestines to contract, pushing food and waste throughout the system more efficiently.
The best way to maintain a healthy microbiome is to eat a range of fresh, whole foods, mainly from plant sources like fruits, vegetables – for example leek, onion and garlic, legumes – for example chickpeas, beans and lentils, wholegrains – such as rye bread, barley, oats and nuts – like pistachios, cashews and almonds. It is also important to eat slowly and limit ultra-processed foods such as ham and salami, ready-made meals, sweets, desserts and many packaged snacks such as chips.
If you would like to know more about your gut health and how to stay healthy contact us at +971 50 494 6377 to arrange an appointment with Prof. Dr Giovanni Leonetti (gastroenterologist).
Prof. Dr. Giovanni Leonetti is a licensed general surgeon who obtained his medical degree at the University of Rome “La Sapienza”, where he also received his PhD in Advanced Technologies in Surgery. He teaches Gastroenterology at Unicamillus Health University of Rome.
During his career, he has refined the most modern and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy techniques for treating diseases affecting the digestive system.
