Impact of Gut Microbiota Crowding on Health: Expert Advice
Learn how overcrowding of gut microbiota can impact your health and what expert advice recommends to maintain a healthy gut.
Understanding Gut Microbiota Crowding and Its Effects
Microbiota crowding, also known as dysbiosis, occurs when various microbial populations in the gut reach saturation levels that influence each other's behavior and functions. This can have benefits or impacts on one's overall health. For example, an imbalance can interfere with gut function and trigger inflammation and unwanted health issues.
Expert Insights on the Impact on Health
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Meghraj Ingle, Director and Senior Consultant in Gastroenterology at Gleneagles Hospitals in Mumbai, shared that microbiota crowding could contribute to gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), bloating, poor digestion, constipation, loose motions, and abdominal pain.
Causes and Triggers
Dr. Ingle highlighted that factors like processed food consumption and antibiotic usage can disrupt the microbial balance in the gut, leading to conditions like obesity and diabetes. He emphasized the importance of reducing processed food consumption, avoiding unnecessary antibiotic usage, and making informed choices for better gut health.
Preventive Measures and Treatment
Dr. Ingle advised incorporating fiber-rich foods, fermented foods, daily exercise, antibiotics as per doctor's instructions, and stress-reducing activities like yoga and meditation into one's lifestyle. He outlined preventive measures like a balanced diet, probiotics, good sleep, exercise, and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use. Treatment should involve following the doctor's prescription and avoiding self-medication or unsupervised supplement use.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any medical concerns.