Healthy eating, the basis for good intestinal health

“Let your food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”, said Hippocrates. And a healthy diet should be the basis for good gut health, which in turn contributes decisively to an optimal level of overall well-being.

Indeed, the foods we choose and the way we cook them have an enormous influence on how our gut processes what we eat, and this translates into a stronger (or not) immune system, which, as we know, is a fundamental factor when it comes to healthy ageing.

And what are the foods that we should incorporate or reinforce in our diet? Dr. Ámina Alani, digestive health expert at SHA Wellness Clinic, gives us the answer. “Anti-inflammatory and non-irritating foods for the digestive mucosa contribute to maintaining a healthy intestine and, therefore, good health”, she says.

From vegetables to oily fish: the best foods for the gut

The best anti-inflammatory diet should include vegetables, especially cruciferous vegetables. Garlic, onions, asparagus and fruit should also be staples.

And another star of any anti-inflammatory diet is oily fish, rich in omega-3 acids. The boom in the consumption of these fatty acids comes down to one simple reason: they benefit the health of all age groups and there is conclusive evidence that they protect against heart disease and contribute to lowering triglyceride levels, among other benefits.

“We should also incorporate spices in general (turmeric, oregano, cloves, etc.), ginger, low or gluten-free cereals, legumes, seeds, fermented foods and, of course, proper hydration with water”, adds Dr Ámina Alani.

The role of olive oil in the microbiota

Olive oil consumption is also essential because of how it effects the microbiota, among many other benefits. There is strong evidence that olive oil phenolic compounds modulate microbial composition and metabolism and increase the diversity of intestinal bacterial communities that produce beneficial effects.

According to a recent study published in the scientific journal Nutrients, olive oil phenolics have positive effects on atherosclerosis, immune disorders and obesity. “The specific role of olive oil phenolics may provide the necessary information for the development of new nutritional guidelines”, the paper explains.

“Diets rich in extra virgin olive oil cause a change in the intestinal bacterial flora that is related to the prevention of colorectal cancer”, adds Dr Amina Alani.

The importance of eating an anti-inflammatory diet

When we read the word “inflammation”, we immediately think of symptoms such as swelling or redness in an area of the body. Referring specifically to the digestive tract, inflammation occurs naturally as part of the immune response. The problem comes when the inflammation persists over time and never completely disappears.

This chronic inflammation, the fact that our body is always in a state of high alert, can trigger several serious health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes and tumours.

Healthy lifestyle habits are particularly beneficial, especially eating and following an anti-inflammatory diet. This consists mainly of packing our meals with inflammation-fighting foods whilst eliminating unhealthy foods.

The preventive role of a healthy diet and SHA Wellness Clinic

There is a wealth of research that evidences the value of prevention and the negative effects of inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory foods can help in other interesting ways, such as recovery from physical exercise, managing pain associated with ageing and promoting a better quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis.

These reasons are so compelling that SHA Wellness Clinic has decided to incorporate a plan focused on bowel care into its therapeutic options offered through its Focused Pack Digestive Health.

Following an in-depth exam, and depending on individual needs and objectives, serum therapy sessions, intravenous liver detox, intestinal ozone therapy, colon hydrotherapy, stress management, etc. may be included in the plan.

It is a plan designed for people who wish to make changes in their lifestyle with the aim of improving their health and living a longer and better life.