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Millions of Americans struggle with chronic digestive diseases every year. While it’s normal to experience digestive discomfort from time to time, especially if you ate something that is expired or that you’re sensitive to, prolonged digestive issues could be a sign something is wrong. What many people don’t know is that digesting food involves the work of many organs, and if just one of those is compromised, it could affect the whole digestive process. Perhaps most commonly, the source of digestive issues lies within the gut. But what exactly is your gut and how does it work?
Your gut is responsible for breaking down the food you eat. While it does this, it is also working to process and properly absorb vitamins and minerals your body needs to function at its best. Aside from this, about 70% of your immune system is housed in your gut, as well as 95% of your serotonin supply.
There are many things that can weaken the gut, like sugar and processed foods, which cause inflammation in the gut’s lining and promote the growth of bad bacteria, which prevents the gut from working at its best. Most commonly, eating these foods can cause “leaky gut,” or a condition where the gut’s lining becomes permeable, causing food and other bacteria to leak from the gut and into the bloodstream. A weak gut can cause a number of health problems, namely digestive related symptoms. If you struggle with digestive issues, eating and drinking in a way that nourishes your gut is crucial.
We often focus on what we’re eating when we set out to relieve digestive issues, but what you are drinking is just as important. Especially in America, popular beverages are loaded with sugars and preservatives, both things that can inflame the stomach and cause discomfort. One drink in particular that you should avoid? Energy drinks. According to Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN, heavily caffeinated beverages “can cause gastritis, inflammation, increased gut motility, and diarrhea," she says.
Its effects on your mental health can indirectly lead to digestive upset as well. “It can also cause jitters and increase anxiety which can exacerbate symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)." Energy drinks are very popular in the US, especially during the afternoon hours when you may need a pick me up during the workday. However, drinking these regularly could be the source of your digestive trouble. If you want to drink something that energizes you but isn’t as harmful to your gut, opt for black coffee instead. It also has a host of health benefits, including its high level of antioxidants and ability to improve brain function.
If you experience digestive issues regularly, you should first and foremost consult with your doctor to come up with a personalized treatment plan. However, cutting back on processed, sugary beverages, especially energy drinks, could help your gut speed up its healing process.
