Some stomach problems may be linked to an imbalance in the gut flora. This can cause digestive problems, gas and bloating, nervous stomach and other intestinal problems.
The gut flora consists of the billions of bacteria and microorganisms that live in our digestive systems and help perform a wide range of functions; among other things, they constitute 70% of our immune system and are responsible for our gut health, digestion and nutrient absorption as well as brain function.
When we are in a state of optimal health, the gut flora consists of about 80% good bacteria. If this balance becomes disturbed, our health can be negatively affected; for example, we may have a weakened immune system or increased stomach and digestive problems.
If you have an IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) diagnosis, it means you have a digestive problem where your digestive tract becomes irritated. Common symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain and gas, and you may also suffer from diarrhoea or constipation, or switch between the two.
IBS is one of the most common diagnoses in Sweden today. But the question of why certain individuals suffer from IBS has yet to be answered. Some people come down with the disease after periods of stress or infections – others carry the disease with from the time they are children. There are also lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of IBS, e.g. poor diet and lack of exercise.
For certain people, symptoms of IBS are alleviated somewhat when they avoid foods that contain lactose and gluten. Many also recommended the so-called FODMAP diet, which involves eliminating a number of foods (mostly fruits and vegetables) that contain difficult to digest fibre called fructans. But the FODAMP diet does not work for everyone, and you also run the risk of missing out on important sources of fibre and antioxidants.
Fructans can only be digested by certain types of gut bacteria, and some therefore believe that people with IBS may be missing these bacterial strains. Instead of eliminating all foods that contain fructans, you can try to strengthen your gut flora so that it can better deal with this difficult to digest fibre.
Stress can have an effect on your gut flora. When we experience stress, hormones such as adrenalin, noradrenalin, and dopamine, are released. Our immune cells and the good bacteria are very sensitive to these substances, and the bad bacteria thrive and multiply in an environment dominated by these stress hormones. Longer periods of stress can therefore cause an imbalance in our gut flora.
Common symptoms of what we call nervous stomach – functional dyspepsia, may be that you suffer from heartburn or acid reflux. The symptoms can be aggravated by certain foods such as coffee, citrus fruits, fatty foods, stress and alcohol.
1. Eat a diet that feeds your healthy gut flora: We recommend an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits and vegetables – the gut bacteria’s favourite food. Read more here >>
2. Exercise more: Moving your body gets your stomach and intestines moving and you are better able to process the food you eat. Exercise has also been shown to be good for IBS.
3. Reduce stress: Try to reduce your stress and set aside time for relaxation and restoration. Quiet walks, breathing exercises and meditation can also help manage stress. Find a stress reduction method that works best for you!
4. Keep regular routines: Try to maintain regular routines in terms of diet, exercise and sleep.
5. Try adding in dietary supplements: Lactic acid bacteria and fibre supplements can have a positive effect on digestive problems such as IBS. Try adding good bacteria and fibre to your diet and see if it works for you.
Det ser ut til at du er i Norge. Besøk vår norske nettside her www.supersynbiotics.no
