Problems in digestive health can cause various illnesses and lead to anxiety and depression.

The death of former federal deputy David Miranda (PDT-RJ), aged just 37, on May 9th, as a result of a generalized infection of the gastrointestinal system drew attention to the importance of digestive health. One third of the world’s population has some type of symptom in the digestive tract, the most common being bloating and constipation, according to the World Gastroenterology Organization (OMG).

These symptoms can occur even without structural or functional abnormalities in the digestive system, but they can indicate serious health problems such as inflammatory bowel disease, reflux, diarrhea, gastritis, pharyngitis, pancreatitis, constipation, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, obesity, and cancer.

There is no specific number of patients with digestive diseases in the country, but some data indicate that the prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases is 100 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the public health system, with a higher concentration in the Southeast and South regions. In recent years, Brazil has recorded a 15% increase in diseases related to the digestive system. About five million people worldwide are affected by intestinal inflammation, according to the Brazilian Society of Coloproctology (SBCP).

In the month in which World Digestive Health Day is celebrated (May 29), it is essential to promote a balanced lifestyle, with a balanced diet, regular physical exercise, as well as healthy family and social relationships. The gastrointestinal tract allows it to provide nutrients to the body, increase the immune system response, harbor the intestinal microbiota and serve as a “second brain” with the brain-gut axis.

“The dietary needs of the gastrointestinal tract change from the newborn, through childhood, adolescence and adulthood. A healthy diet can promote optimal organ function and a healthy microbiome. Understanding the normal functions of the GI tract and diet will also help identify when to seek GI care for symptoms.”

explains digestive tract surgeon and proctologist, specialist in inflammatory bowel diseases, Dr. Alexander Rolim, from the São Camilo hospital network in São Paulo.

The specialist also explains that digestive health can affect mental health, as the digestive system and the brain are closely linked through the gut-brain axis.

“When digestive health is not up to date, emotional and mental well-being are also harmed. In addition, the intestine is responsible for producing neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which are directly related to mood and mental health. When there is an imbalance in the intestinal flora, there can be a decrease in the production of these neurotransmitters, which can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.”

says Dr. roll.

Recurrence of symptoms requires medical attention

Nausea, bloating, heartburn, return of food and/or gastric acid, reflux, diarrhea and/or constipation, and abdominal pain. But other symptoms such as dry cough, chest pain, sinusitis, asthma, headache, attention deficit and skin lesions, which apparently can indicate another type of disease, are also symptoms of digestive problems.

It is necessary to pay attention to the recurrence of these symptoms to quickly seek medical attention. “People often self-medicate or take teas and home remedies, which further increases the risk of worsening gastrointestinal problems. The best thing to do is, if these symptoms persist, seek immediate medical help.”, recommends the expert.

Healthy eating is at the base of suggestive health

Gastrointestinal diseases are usually related to habits acquired throughout life. Inadequate food, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, stress, among many other problems, are responsible for many disorders. Therefore, prevention is the best way to lower the rates of digestive health complications. Thus, it is important to prioritize fresh and minimally processed foods, include fiber in the diet and avoid excessive consumption of fatty and industrialized foods.

Early diagnosis is the best way to prevent and avoid complications from gastrointestinal disorders. When experiencing any symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately and avoid self-medication. Frequent stomach irritations, stomach aches, significant changes in stool, diarrhea and even bad breath or changes in the mouth for no apparent reason deserve attention and consultation with a specialist.

*With advisory information

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