Do you wonder why we feel irritated every time? The reason is none other than the gut. As we all know, every disease starts from the gut, and so does the irritated mood. It is important to have a healthy gut for a disease-free body. But, as lifestyle changes due to busy schedules, the problem of poor gut health also arises. So, let’s start by knowing about the Gut.
What is Gut?
The gut usually refers to the gastrointestinal tract or digestive tract which is a long tube that starts from the mouth and ends at the anus. It does not only includes the stomach but other players in the team as well. Such as the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, small intestine, and large intestine.
In the gut, food stays for a longer period due to the breakdown of food particles and the absorption of nutrients present in food. Most of the digestion usually takes place in the stomach and small intestine with the support of accessories organ liver, pancreas, and gall bladder. However, the absorption of nutrients occurs in the large intestine. And, thereafter the remaining particles of food get excreted out through the anus.
What is Gut Health?
The gut is a home for trillions of microorganisms including good and bad varieties. These microorganisms are responsible for the breakdown of food which makes it easy to digest in the body. Also, it constitutes the gut microbiome that not only supports digestion but promotes longevity as well by increasing immunity.
There are several factors that influence gut health such as diet, exercise, sleep, genetics, and medication. In trillions of microorganisms, some bad bacteria may be harmful to your body but most of the bacteria are good which is vital to promote a healthy body. The presence of numerous good bacteria is a sign of a healthy gut that prevents various chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and psoriatic arthritis. But, sometimes it may get altered due to certain health conditions or infections. Thereby, getting the symptoms like constipation, gas, bloating, and heartburn. These symptoms show that there is something happening in the body. That’s why having a healthy gut is essential for overall wellness. So far, you may have also heard about the pH of the stomach and its imbalance. So, let’s begin with pH.
What is pH?
pH refers to give the result of how acidic and basic is the aqueous solution. A pH less than 7 shows acidic nature while a pH greater than 7 is basic in nature. The value of pH range between 0-14 in which the most acidic one may have a negative acidic value while the basic one may exceed 14 and pH value 7 denotes neutral. The above-mentioned discussion is all about pH now learn about stomach pH.
What is stomach pH?
Stomach pH is usually acidic which varies from a pH of 3.0 to a pH of 5.0 to 6.0. It is because gastric juice is secreted by the tiny pits of the stomach lining which contains hydrochloric acid whose pH is as low as 0.8 but it rises to 1.5 to 3.5 after getting diluted in the stomach lumen. The pH of the stomach is the highest in an empty stomach. However, it is lowest at the time of digesting food.
How does stomach pH help in gut health?
The HCL i.e. hydrochloric acid makes the pH of the stomach acidic which supports gut health by destroying the harmful bacteria that enter through the outside environment or food in the stomach. But, certain bacteria like Helicobacter pylori can even survive in an acidic environment. And, cause a risk of various chronic diseases such as gastric ulcers, stomach cancer, and gastritis.
So, it is highly essential to have an optimum pH of the stomach to promote gut health. An alteration of pH may increase the growth of bad bacteria which leads to poor gut health.
Although, an acidic environment is necessary for the stomach. Having acidity is common among people once in a while. But, if it continues for long then it is a matter of concern. As it may cause conditions like Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Almost 20% of the population is diagnosed with GERD.
And, who is the biggest culprit? It is a food that is high in fat, salt, and spices. Such as pizza, fatty meats, fried food, and processed snacks like potato chips, etc. It stays in the stomach for a longer period which delays digestion. However, eating in moderation and avoiding late-night snacks may not affect the digestive system.
What is the food that lowers the pH of the stomach?
There are varieties of food especially plant-based diet which prevent body from the acid reflux.
Food that is rich in fiber
- Whole grains such as cereal, pulses
- Nuts and seeds
- Green leafy vegetables
Fiber-rich food keeps you full for long and prevents you from overeating. Adding fiber to the diet increases the production of good gut bacteria which is also a food for the gut microbiomes.
Food that is rich in water
- Watermelon
- Cucumber
- Herbal tea
- Celery
Food that contains water helps to neutralize stomach acid. So, one must add water-based food to the diet to prevent acid reflux or acidity.
Food that is basic in nature
- Banana
- Cauliflower
- Melons
Food whose pH is less than 7 is more likely to cause acidity due to its acidic nature. Thereby adding alkaline food helps to neutralize the acidic properties.
Also Read: How to Improve Your Gut Health in 8 Easy Steps
Home remedies to prevent acid reflux
It is very usual that whenever an issue like acid reflux or heartburn takes place we rush to the pharmacy for antacids in no time. However, antacid provides benefits but do you know there are several home remedies that may also prevent acidity?
- Baking soda
A little amount of baking soda mixed with the water act as an antacid. So, one may use this if it’s available in the pantry to treat acid reflux.
- Aloe vera juice
We all have heard or used aloe vera in our life to treat skin problems. But, do you know it has a wonderful effect on stomach problems as well? It reduces stomach acid and relieves the acidity. To get the most out of it, one should buy it from a trusted source for purity and quality assurance.
- Apple cider vinegar
ACV is one of the safe alternatives to prevent acid reflux if taken in small amounts diluted with water. But, taking in high amounts can even worsen the effect.
- Probiotics
Probiotic is the best to add to the diet to treat digestive issues such as diarrhea, gas, constipation, and bloating. Although, it doesn’t treat acid reflux but provides several benefits to the digestive system. Probiotics is the beneficial microorganisms that are essential for the gut. The gut naturally contains both good and bad bacteria. But, due to an unhealthy lifestyle, it gets altered.
The addition of Probiotics helps to maintain the flora in the gut. So, one must add probiotics to the diet for a healthy gut. Try to buy it from a trusted source who are transparent with their ingredients and give quality product.
You may also check out Arechar’s Vitagoli Probiotic gummies for digestive health. The gummy form makes it easy and convenient to add to the daily routine. The fruity flavor gives you a more pleasant experience while eating than regular tablet supplements. This Vitagoli Probiotic gummies also contains apple cider vinegar i.e. ACV which may benefit you from acid reflux as well. Add Probiotics gummies for gut health now so your gut will thank you later.
You may also add food sources of probiotics to the diet including
- Yogurt
- Sauerkraut
- Kefir
- Tempeh
- Kimchi
- Kombucha
FAQs Related to Gut Health
1. Why is good gut health important?
Every part of the body is interconnected to each other so the digestive system to the central nervous system and immune system. Good digestion means good immunity and good mood. So, it is important to take care of the gut for overall health.
2. Can hydrochloric acid erode the stomach lining?
Yes, the HCL is highly acidic in nature which may erode the wall of the stomach lining. But, the alkali ions coated on the stomach lining prevent the wall from corrosion.
3. Are antacids harmful to health?
An antacid is effective to treat heartburn or acidity but regular use of an antacid to relieve stomach acid may cause harmful effects on the body. It also loses its effectiveness if taken regularly.
4. Are probiotics safe to use?
Probiotics are completely safe to use as it contains live bacteria or yeast which is essential for the gut. The regular use of probiotics keeps your gut healthy and prevents various chronic diseases. However, if you are taking it through supplements then check out the trusted brand only.
5. How effective are Arechar’s vitagoli probiotics?
Arechar’s Vitagoli probiotics contain lactobacillus coagulans which is the probiotic bacteria, apple cider vinegar, omega 3, magnesium, zinc, chicory extract, cranberry extract, and many more. These probiotics don’t only contribute to a healthy gut but boost brain health as well. So, one may add probiotics to the diet as they provide several benefits to health.
