Are you one of the 60-70 million people, according to the National Institute of Health, in the U.S. who suffer from digestive diseases and disorders? While it is true that digestive disease increases with age, young and middle-aged people, aged 18-44 have the same conditions.
Examples of digestive disorders are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease, more commonly known as GERD, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic liver disease. The cost of treating these conditions is estimated to be 136 billion dollars yearly.
Could lifestyle be a factor? I’m going to present the case and you can decide. New fast-food restaurants are popping up everywhere. Our lives have become so filled with activities, meetings, kids, and work, who has time to cook? Swooping into the golden arches on your way to Jo-Jo’s baseball game is easier than preparing a meal.
The food we eat is turned into nutrients and energy by the digestive system, it starts at the mouth and ends when waste leaves your body. To put it into the words of Jilly from Philly, “from the rooter to the tooter.” The process that happens in between is the function called digestion.
The nutrients and energy our bodies require are obtained from our food. Whole foods are loaded with nutrients and fiber to aid digestion. Processed foods have been changed from their natural state to make them last longer can lead to health issues in your gut. They include canned fruit with little processing to high-processed foods like microwavable meals and pop or soda.
Foods that have no nutritional value, contain added sugars, and unhealthy fats, sodium, low in fiber, and nutrients. The way these foods are manufactured leads to the loss of beneficial compounds they contain. Chemicals to extend shelf life, artificial flavors, color, sweeteners, and other substances are added to improve taste and appearance.
Read the label on a sodium can, pickles, or sauce, you will find sodium benzoate one of the most common preservatives. All of these can affect your digestive system and can cause inflammation in the digestive tract or disrupt the digestive process interfering with the ability of your body to absorb nutrients.
In our intestines live these little microorganisms whose job is to break down food particles, produce vitamins, and fight off bad bacteria. Processed food which is high in fat and sugar creates bacteria harmful to your gut, producing digestive problems like bloating, indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea, which over time can lead to IBS.
The absorption of nutrients is essential to good digestion. Our body breaks down what we eat into small molecules absorbed into our bloodstream for use. The problem with processed foods is they have no dietary fiber which adds bulk to stool aiding in healthy bowel movements or nutrients.
Low fiber and high sugar can lead to constipation, GERD, and gallstones. Recent research also claims a link between processed foods and more serious issues such as colorectal cancer and IBS.
I rest my case, what you do with this information is up to you. I encourage you to start adding healthy food alternatives to your diet a little at a time. For instance, replace a golden arches breakfast sandwich with whole grain toast spread with elderberry jam. Whole grains are high in fiber and elderberries, especially the black ones, are full of antioxidants and Vitamin C. Toss a bag of nuts or trail mix in your purse or pocket for a quick snack.
Health is wealth, it is your choice of how rich you want to be!
Until next time,
Peace, Love, and Blessings❤️
