Nov 133 min read

Bad Gut Health

By Srihita Madiraju Nov. 13, 2024

Although gut health, the health of the digestive system, may not be everyone’s top priority, it is essential for maintaining the body’s internal functions. Nearly two-thirds of Americans are experiencing an array of poor gut health, and very few are aware of it, as reported by MDVIP, an American healthcare company. Given its widespread impact, understanding how poor gut health can affect the body as a whole is crucial.

While the digestive system is specifically responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste—it also plays a significant role in the body’s overall health in many aspects. The gut contains trillions of microorganisms that primarily consist of bacteria and help assist digestion, vitamin synthesis and organ development. In addition to this, they provide protection against pathogens and inflammation. The homeostasis, or the regulation of the intestinal microbiota is vital, as the entering of harmful bacteria could lead to digestive issues and conditions such as diabetes and cancer; any imbalances in the microbiota can lead to inflammation in the gut, a contributing factor to cancer.

“I never considered taking care of my gut, as I was unaware how much it can impact the rest of my well-being. Maybe if it was integrated more into our science or physical education classes, it would be a more significant issue for people,” Junior Riya Balaji said.

Additionally, approximately 70 percent of the body’s immune system lies in the gut, so when the gut is weak, there is an increased susceptibility to infections. Mental health is also associated with gut health; a troubled intestine can send signals to the brain, which could result in a distressed mental state. Sleep is linked with gut health too, as sleep deprivation leads the body to produce excessive cortisol, resulting in a condition nicknamed “leaky gut,” where intestines allow toxins to enter the bloodstream.

Currently, diets are a significant contributor to the widespread poor gut health in the U.S. Unduly processed foods often consist of unhealthy added fats, sugars and salts, altering the gut microbiota and leading to inflammation. Frequent alcohol consumption also causes inflammation and an imbalance of the microbiota, resulting in leaky gut and severe liver damage, as it overwhelms the liver and gastrointestinal tract, simultaneously disrupting the gut barrier. Also gluten, a wheat substance found in nearly every fast food favorite, can slow down gut motility which slows down digestion process, resulting in constipation.

According to a study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Essay, about 60 percent of calorie consumption in America consists of processed foods. Other regions, such as rural India, include more fiber and nutrients from plants in their diet, resulting in better overall gut health for the population, as reported by India’s Translational Health Science and Technology Institute.

“When I limit my intake of processed foods, my stomach feels better and less uneasy throughout the day. I can envision how American diets would lead to poor gut health, due to the lack of whole foods,” Senior Jason Choi said.

As a whole, declining gut health has created a range of concerning health issues; such as the increased rates of obesity, heart attacks, dementia and type 2 diabetes. While every demographic can obtain poor gut health, certain groups are more severely affected by it. In older generations, gut microbiota begin to change and risks of inflammation increase, leading to higher chances of chronic gut conditions. Individuals with pre-existing health issues also are more susceptible to develop digestive health issues.

Essentially, several dieticians have found it evident that maintaining a healthy gut is crucial to operate basic functions in the body. While taking care of the gut can be easily overlooked, it has the potential to transform overall wellness, and taking the proper measures to ensure a healthy gut can prevent various health issues from arising in the future.

About the Contributors

Srihita Madiraju

staff writer

Srihita Madiraju is a Junior at Leland High School and a staff writer. She enjoys reading and writing and this is her first year in journalism. She enjoys dancing, going to the beach, and hanging out with her friends.