Causes of intestinal disorders and how to improve them | To maintain a healthy and youthful body

The intestinal environment plays a very important role in maintaining good health.

If the balance of intestinal bacteria is disrupted, it can lead to impaired digestive function, weakened immunity, and even mental disorders, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, high cholesterol, obesity, and skin aging such as wrinkles and age spots.

Here we will explain in detail the main factors that disrupt the intestinal environment and the reasons why.

table of contents

Unhealthy eating habits
Effects of drugs
Irregular lifestyle habits
Environmental factors
stress
1. Chronic stress
summary

Unhealthy eating habits

Our gut bacteria get their nutrients from the food we eat, so our diet has a direct impact on our gut environment.

Wheat products (gluten)

One of the biggest causes of the deterioration of the intestinal environment in modern times is the excessive consumption of wheat products.

Gluten , a protein found in wheat, damages the intestinal mucosa and destroys the intestinal barrier function, causing "leaky gut syndrome," which allows undigested proteins and toxins to leak into the bloodstream.

It's especially important to note that even people who haven't been diagnosed with gluten intolerance or celiac disease are likely experiencing gut effects from gluten. Modern wheat has been bred to contain significantly more gluten than our bodies have evolved to contain.

Processed foods/junk food

Processed foods contain many food additives such as preservatives, colorings, and artificial sweeteners, which can disrupt the balance of intestinal bacteria. Some studies have shown that artificial sweeteners (such as aspartame and sucralose) in particular may change the composition of intestinal bacteria.

High-fat and high-sugar diet

Excessive intake of fried foods, snacks, and other foods high in fats and oils can increase the number of bad bacteria in the intestines (bacteria that produce harmful substances in the intestines). In addition, excessive intake of carbohydrates can cause blood sugar levels to rise sharply, which can lead to inflammation in the intestines. Refined sugar in particular is known to cause the proliferation of Candida fungus (a type of mold) in the intestines, leading to a deterioration of the intestinal environment.

Lack of dietary fiber

Dietary fiber serves as food for intestinal bacteria, increasing the number of good bacteria and promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids. However, if you don't eat enough dietary fiber, such as vegetables, seaweed, and fermented foods, the good bacteria in your intestines will decrease and bad bacteria will predominate. This can result in constipation, intestinal inflammation, leaky gut, and even a weakened immune system.

Excessive animal protein

The animal protein found in meat helps maintain muscle mass if consumed in moderate amounts, but if consumed in excess, it is prone to decay in the intestines, producing harmful decay products such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, which can lead to a poor intestinal environment.

Excessive alcohol intake

Alcohol not only damages the intestinal mucosa, but also easily disrupts the balance of intestinal bacteria. Drinking large amounts of alcohol in particular can weaken the intestinal barrier function and cause "leaky gut," which can lead to inflammation throughout the body.

Excessive caffeine intake

Caffeine contained in coffee and energy drinks can cause diarrhea by overstimulating the intestines. Also, excessive intake of caffeine can cause the sympathetic nervous system to dominate, disrupting intestinal function in the same way as stress.

Dehydration

Lack of water makes stool hard and reduces intestinal movement, resulting in chronic constipation and a poor intestinal environment.

Effects of drugs

Some of the medicines we use on a daily basis can have a negative effect on the intestinal flora.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used to kill bacteria, but they also kill all the good bacteria in the intestines, causing an imbalance in the intestinal bacteria, making it easier for bad bacteria to grow.

Pain relievers (NSAIDs)

Common antipyretics and analgesics (such as ibuprofen and Loxonin) can damage the intestinal mucosa, cause inflammation, and disrupt the balance of intestinal bacteria if used for a long period of time.

Acid-reducing drugs (PPIs)

Medications that suppress stomach acid are used to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, but reducing stomach acid makes it easier for bad bacteria to grow in the intestines.

Irregular lifestyle habits

Deteriorating lifestyle habits also affect the intestinal environment.

Lack of exercise

Exercise activates the peristaltic movement of the intestines and promotes bowel movements. Lack of exercise leads to slower intestinal movement and makes you more susceptible to constipation.

Lack of sleep

It is known that lack of sleep disrupts the hormone balance in the body and reduces the diversity of intestinal bacteria. In particular, staying up late or having irregular lifestyle habits disrupts the balance of intestinal bacteria, causing indigestion and constipation.

smoking

The harmful substances contained in tobacco can cause intestinal inflammation and upset the balance of intestinal bacteria.

Deterioration of oral environment

When the oral flora becomes overloaded with bacteria that cause tooth decay or periodontal disease, it disrupts the intestinal flora.

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Environmental factors

The external environment can also affect your gut flora.

Ingestion of pesticides and heavy metals

Pesticides and chemical fertilizers found in vegetables and fruits, and heavy metals (such as mercury) found in seafood can have a negative effect on intestinal bacteria and cause intestinal inflammation.

Consumption of farmed fish and livestock (especially foreign products)

The antibacterial agents, antibiotics, anthelmintics, and vaccines used during production eliminate the good bacteria in the intestines, disrupting the balance of intestinal bacteria and making it easier for bad bacteria to grow.

Air pollution

It has been reported that when air pollutants are ingested into the body, the composition of intestinal bacteria changes, increasing the risk of developing intestinal inflammation.

stress

The intestines are also called the "second brain" and are closely related to the brain. Therefore, when you feel strong stress, the autonomic nervous system becomes disordered and affects the function of the intestines.

Chronic stress

When you feel stressed, your sympathetic nervous system becomes dominant and your intestinal peristalsis (the movement that expels stool) slows down. This can make you more susceptible to constipation, or conversely, your intestines can become overactive, causing diarrhea.

summary

To maintain a good intestinal environment, it is important to have a balanced diet, moderate exercise, sufficient sleep, and stress management. By reviewing your daily lifestyle and adopting intestinal-friendly habits, you can maintain a healthy intestinal environment.

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