Cancers of the colon, liver, peptic ulcer disease, diarrhea, and stomachaches are the leading causes of illness and death in the Philippines. The common denominator among these diseases is that they primarily affect the human digestive tract. According to Department of Health data, cancers affecting the digestive system rank first, sixth, and seventh in terms of total cancer cases in the Philippines.
The human digestive system, or gut, composes the gastrointestinal tract (GI), the gallbladder, pancreas, lungs, and liver. The gastrointestinal tract comprises a series of hollow organs connected by a long, twisting tube that runs from the mouth to the anus. The mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus are the hollow organs that comprise the GI tract. So how do you take care of your gut? What role does a well-balanced diet play in digestive health? Preventing gastrointestinal diseases necessitates a lifestyle change. To begin, eat healthier by increasing your consumption of leafy green vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, and nuts.
Additionally, stay away from carbonated beverages such as sodas and sparkling water and spicy or fried foods. The second objective is to maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing various health problems, including numerous gastrointestinal diseases resulting from the inflammation of multiple internal organs and a weakened immune system. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, is getting enough sleep. The body repairs itself while you sleep. Chronic Insomnia is linked with gastrointestinal diseases, particularly in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, when you don’t get enough sleep, you’re more likely to crave foods that contribute to GI issues in the first place. Fourth is preventing stress from taking over your life. Numerous factors can contribute to your stress level:
- Child care.
- An unfavorable work situation.
- Disagreements with your spouse.
- Being a caregiver for an ailing loved one.
However, stress and anxiety can exacerbate the symptoms of GI diseases, causing more severe abdominal cramps. Additionally, the nervous system regulates every aspect of digestion in response to stress. As a result, it’s critical to discover which stress relievers work best for you. Finally, but certainly not least, stay hydrated. Water consumption is necessary to keep foods moving through your digestive system and to keep your intestines flexible. As a result, dehydration is associated with a plethora of digestive disorders. Additionally, it is a common cause of chronic constipation, which increases the risk of hemorrhoids. If you’re not a fan of drinking excessive water, incorporate it gradually into your daily routine alongside broths, fruits, and herbal teas (FMM/AMF/RML)
References:
Department of Health, Health Statistics, Ten leading causes of mortality by Sex, Number, RATE/ 1000,000 population and percentage, Philippines 2018
https://psgastro.org/news/philippine-digestive-health-week-empowering-filipinos-through-health-literacy/ accessed March 2022