DANAI LIMMATHUROTSAKUL, M.D.
INTERNAL MEDICINE, GASTROENTEROLOGIST
This website uses cookies 🍪
We use cookies to ensure you get the best online experience. For more details, please see our Privacy and Cookie Policy. Read more.
"Eating for Energy and Happiness." The fundamental purpose of eating is to provide energy and happiness. However, consuming an unbalanced diet can diminish our well-being and leave us feeling drained. Many people may not anticipate developing inflammatory bowel disease, which is why I would like to share ways to maintain gut health, prevent disease, and highlight the importance of the intestines from a different perspective.
Beyond digestion and nutrient absorption, the intestines function as the body's "second brain." They possess the ability to analyze and differentiate nutrients for efficient digestion. Additionally, the intestines produce various neurotransmitters, including serotonin, often referred to as the "happiness hormone."
Eating well contributes to happiness, while poor dietary choices may lead to discomfort and digestive distress.
Since the brain and intestines are constantly communicating, consuming unhealthy foods triggers the intestines to send signals to the immune system, prompting the body to expel harmful substances through symptoms such as diarrhea. An imbalance in beneficial gut bacteria can also have long-term health consequences.
Changes in environment and lifestyle have made it more important than ever to maintain good health. Nutrition plays a crucial role in sustaining life, and an improper balance of essential nutrients can contribute to disease. Additionally, stress can exacerbate bodily imbalances. Without proper management, complications may arise, leading to more severe health conditions.
Read more: TMAO – The Hidden Danger in Food That Accelerates Cognitive Decline
Proper dietary choices can help prevent and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. However, individuals should tailor their diet based on their specific symptoms and medical advice.
Patients should consume soft and easily digestible foods to reduce strain on the intestines.
Foods rich in fiber, such as leafy greens, high-fiber fruits, and whole grains, help promote digestion and reduce the risk of constipation.
Consuming low-fat foods, such as egg whites and seafood rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can help reduce inflammation. High-fat foods, on the other hand, increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease and other complications, such as diabetes. Patients should avoid fried foods, trans fats, and processed items like cakes, sausages, and pickled foods.
A low-sodium diet can help prevent fluid retention. Foods such as tofu and soy milk are particularly beneficial for individuals with lactose intolerance.
Probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt and fermented milk, help balance gut bacteria and support intestinal function. Consuming probiotics alongside fruits and vegetables further enhances bacterial balance in the gut.
Drinking clean water not only facilitates digestion and prevents dehydration but also helps mitigate risks associated with impaired water absorption in the intestines.
Maintaining a balanced diet is key to overall health, as the brain, intestines, and body function in harmony. Eating well ensures a full stomach, strengthens the immune system, and promotes mental well-being. A holistic approach to health—nourishing both the body and mind—ultimately leads to a healthier and more fulfilling life.
INTERNAL MEDICINE, GASTROENTEROLOGIST