It is estimated that around half of the population in Spain suffer from any digestive pathology currently. For example, as highlighted by the digitized nutrition service Nootric, It is estimated that small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) already affects between 15 and 20% of the population, while food intolerances have increased by 20% in the last decade.
The causes are varied and complexbut they include issues such as nutrition and lifestyle problems, stress, undetected intolerances or even mental health disorders. This is how he explains it to 20 minutes the doctor in biomedicine and head of the Nutrition and Health team at Nootric Isabell Martorell, who details that “the increase in intestinal disorders responds to a combination of factors, including changes in eating patterns, chronic stress, excessive use of antibiotics and exposure to environmental toxins.”
The microbiota, a fundamental part of us
According to this expert, part of the growth in numbers is due to “the increasing awareness and better diagnosiswhich are revealing a higher incidence of these disorders.” However, he defends that the real increase in cases has a lot to do with the circumstances in which we live: “Current diets, rich in processed foods and low in fiber, can alter the balance of the intestinal microbiota, while stress and a sedentary lifestyle also contribute to digestive dysfunction.
Two key concepts to understand how these alterations occur are microbiome and microbiota. “They are not exactly the same,” clarifies Martorell. “While the microbiota refers to the set of microorganisms that live in our body, especially in the intestine, the microbiome It includes not only these microorganisms, but also their genetic material and the environment in which they interact. Both are essential for our health, but the microbiome has a broader focus, since it also encompasses the functions and impact of these bacteria on our body.
In recent years, both have been attracting more and more attention from scientists due to their implications for our health. According to the doctor, “the intestinal microbiota plays a very important role in the digestionsince it performs various essential functions. “For example, it facilitates the breakdown of certain nutrients that the body cannot process on its own, such as fiber, and generates beneficial compounds, including short-chain fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining intestinal health.”
Relationship between digestion and emotions
It is in this complex ecosystem in which Phenomena such as stress cause havoc. In turn, alterations in the microbiota can negatively impact our state of mental health.
“The relationship between digestive health and emotional well-being has become increasingly clear thanks to research on the gut-brain axis,” agrees Martorell. “The intestinal microbiota not only plays a fundamental role in digestionbut also directly influences mood and mental health. Many bacteria in the gut generate neurotransmitters such as serotonin, a chemical crucial for emotional well-being. “When the microbiome is unbalanced, this can be associated with disorders such as anxiety and depression, underscoring the relevance of a balanced diet to preserve both mental and digestive health.”
And precisely because of their prominent role, these microorganisms may also hold the key to solve many digestive problems. For this reason, many of the preventive and specific dietary interventions for digestive diseases seek to act on the microbiota.
Changes in diet to take care of the microbiota
“The nutrition has a direct impact on digestive healthsince it influences how the digestive system works and balances. With an adequate and personalized eating pattern, it is possible to improve symptoms such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea or abdominal pain,” says Martorell. “Incorporating foods rich in fiber, prebiotics and probiotics can facilitate aspects such as intestinal transit and support more efficient digestion. , in addition to improving the absorption of essential nutrients.”
“A eating plan focused on intestinal health “It should include foods rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains, which promote intestinal transit and care for the microbiota,” he continues. “It should also incorporate prebiotics, present in fruits and vegetables, and probiotics, such as yogurt. and kefir, which introduce healthy bacteria into the intestine. “In addition, it is important to avoid processed foods, added sugars and trans fats, which can unbalance the intestinal flora and promote inflammation.”
And he adds: “Each case of intestinal health is uniqueso there is no common approach that works for all digestive discomforts or problems. What may benefit one person may not be suitable for another. Therefore, knowing each case in detail is key to promoting optimal intestinal health.”
A multidisciplinary approach
However, this expert clarifies that nutritional interventions are inseparable from medical attention to the problem and must be framed in a multidisciplinary approach: “The interdisciplinary approach between nutritionists and doctors is essential to promote the comprehensive well-being of a person, not only in the treatment of chronic diseases, but also in the prevention and management of non-chronic conditions. Doctors have the responsibility of diagnosing and treating, while nutritionists play a key role in personalizing the diet to improve the effectiveness of the treatment and its tolerance, making the patient respond better.”
Furthermore, he concludes, “From a preventive perspective, close collaboration can anticipate possible health complicationsadjusting diet to reduce risks and optimize quality of life. “This working together allows patients to not only improve their fitness, but also feel supported at all stages of their health, making the changes more sustainable in the long term.”
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