Call us today at 410-290-6677 or use the “Book Online” button to schedule!
The bacteria, yeasts, and other substances in your gut aren’t only important for digestion — they are crucial for your overall wellness. If your gut microbiome is unbalanced, many of your other biological systems may be too.
At Gastro Center of Maryland, our gastroenterology team specializes in integrative nutrition and other services that support a healthy gut.
Our skilled providers also offer diagnostic testing and customized treatment plans for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that can result from poor gut health.
Your gut microbiome contains trillions of fungi, viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms that support digestive processes like breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste and toxins.
Microorganisms are first introduced into a baby’s gut when a mother delivers vaginally or breastfeeds. Other microbes from the foods you eat and your environment enter the gut and maintain the microbiome that supports your health. These substances work in harmony to keep harmful substances from upsetting the balance of the gut.
A well-balanced microbiome is essential for the proper function of many biological systems, including the:
Most of the microorganisms that make up the gut microbiome are found in your colon (large intestine), but you also have essential microbes in your small intestine and stomach.
Having too little or too many microorganisms in your gut causes an imbalance known as dysbiosis. This imbalance can trigger a range of issues that affect your physical, mental, and emotional health, including:
While many factors influence the health of your gut, some common reasons dysbiosis occurs include unhealthy food choices, exposure to environmental toxins, chronic stress, and the use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
An overgrowth of bacteria or other imbalance in your gut’s microbiome initially causes gastrointestinal issues like:
You may also experience headaches, sleep disturbances, depression, or anxiety because of a microbiome imbalance.
If you experience symptoms of dysbiosis, our gastroenterologists can check for bacterial overgrowth or other gut health issues using blood tests, stool tests, and other diagnostics. They work with you on a care plan to improve your gut microbiome, so you can find relief from your symptoms.
Improving your gut microbiome is important for protecting your long-term health and well-being. Here are three ways to promote better gut health:
Your diet should include fiber-rich foods like whole grains, seeds, vegetables, and fruit that help to feed the beneficial bacteria (probiotics) in your gut. Fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut also support a healthy microbiome.
If you need guidance on how to improve your diet, speak with our team about our integrative nutrition services.
Mindfulness techniques like meditation can help you keep stress under control to prevent it from disrupting your gut health. Daily exercise also helps to burn off stress and makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
Additionally, be sure to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night, so your body has a chance to reset and recharge.
Water is a vital part of digestion as it aids in the absorption of nutrients your body needs to function optimally. Water also supports the production of mucus in your digestive tract to prevent constipation.
Call the Gastro Center of Maryland office near you today to learn more tips for improving your gut health or book an integrative nutrition consultation online.
