We all know the importance of a healthy gut. It restores digestion and metabolism, and promotes overall well-being. According to a report on the official website of the University of California, Davis, “Gut health describes the function and balance of bacteria in many parts of the gastrointestinal tract.” Our digestive tract contains a wide variety of bacteria. Known as microorganisms, most of these microorganisms are extremely beneficial for our health. Several studies around the world have confirmed its effect on our mood, mental health, skin health, immunity and more. For the unidentified, about 70 percent of the immune system lives with the walls of the gut. Therefore, experts around the world recommend maintaining a healthy gut to boost immunity and prevent a number of flu and bacterial attacks in the long run.
Establishing the importance of gut microbes, a new study finds a remarkable link between these bacteria and COVID-19. According to the study, these bacteria could affect “the severity of COVID-19 as well as the magnitude of the immune system’s response to the disease”. He also suggested that an imbalance of any kind could lead to inflammatory symptoms – often referred to as ‘prolonged COVID’. These findings were published in the journal Gut.
How COVID-19 complications are linked to gut health:
The importance of strong immunity through this Coronavirus pandemic is no secret to the world. Delnaaz T. Chanduwadia, Chief Dietitian, Jaslok Hospital & Research Center, Mumbai recommends, “Strengthening immunity starts by fueling your body with the right type of food and all essential nutrients.” moreover, it also depends on the condition of our gut. Therefore, the researchers in this study wanted to find out if these gut microbes can affect the immune system’s response to COVID-19 infection.
For this study, the researchers examined medical records from 100 hospitals and a blood and stool sample of people with confirmed COVID-19 infection between February and May last year. They also had a record of 78 people without COVID-19 infection.
After extensive study, it was found that gut microbes can affect the COVID-19 complications.
“According to reports that a subset of patients recovered with COVID-19 experience persistent symptoms, such as obesity, dyspnoea [breathlessness] and joint pain, some over 80 days after symptoms first appear, we claim that the dysbiotic gut microbiome may contribute to immune-related health problems after COVID-19, ”he explained. the researchers.
They said, “Expansion of beneficial gut strains degraded in COVID-19 could be a novel way to alleviate severe disease, reaffirming the importance of regulating patients’ gut microbiota during and after COVID-19. “
Considering the above factors, we say, maintaining a strong and healthy gut may not only have a strong effect on people affected by COVID-19, but it will help also by maintaining a healthy and nourishing body from the inside.
Also read: Celeb Nutritionist Rashi Chowdhary recommends dietary changes to reduce gut inflammation
Eat healthy, nutritious foods to maintain a healthy digestive system
COVID-19 And Gut Health: 5 Dietary Recommendations to Maintain a Healthy Gut-
1. Stay hydrated:
Drinking enough water every day may help a good balance of bacteria in our digestive tract.
2. Think about your food well:
Chewing your diet properly and slowly is very important to promote better vitality. This helps maintain overall health.
3. Use a probiotic:
Yogurt, pickles, paneer, soy bean ferment (akhuni) etc are loaded with ‘good bacteria’. For this reason, adding these foods in your daily diet may help increase digestion and metabolism.
4. Maintain a healthy diet:
Adding more fiber, protein and vitamins to your diet and cutting down on sugar and fat can affect a healthy gut.
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5. Proper Detoxification:
Regular removal of toxins from our body is essential to prevent damage and free radicals. These factors help strengthen immunity and overall health.
(Note: These dietary recommendations are not part of the study)
About Somdatta SahaExplorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call itself. Be it food, people or places, she doesn’t know what she wants. Simple aglio olio or daal-chawal pasta and a good film can make its day.