Take Control of Your Gut Health: Expert Gastroenterology Care in Mesa, AZ

Do you frequently have gastrointestinal issues such as gas, heartburn, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation? It’s time to take control of your gut health, but how do you do it? 

Our board-certified team at Desert Valley Gastroenterology in Mesa, Arizona, is here to help. Using diagnostic tests such as an endoscopy or colonoscopy, we diagnose and treat all types of gastrointestinal conditions to help you take control of your gut health. 

Even if you have a family history of conditions such as Crohn’s disease, lifestyle changes and intentional eating habits can make a huge difference in how gut problems affect you. Some habits worsen symptoms, while others act as protective factors. Here’s what our experts want you to know.

That gut feeling

Your gut is your gastrointestinal tract: your stomach and your small and large intestines. It’s key to the proper functioning of several bodily systems, including your digestive, immune, nervous, and endocrine systems.

Scientists are making new links between your gut health and your overall health. Your gut does a lot more than simply help you digest food. You may be surprised to know that your gut contains up to 80% of your body’s immune cells, which help your body fight off dangerous pathogens.

Your gut connects to and affects your nervous system. Some bacteria stimulate serotonin, one of the feel-good hormones that elevates mood.

A leaky gut means your gut tissue has become permeable, allowing toxins into your bloodstream. Lifestyle factors such as a poor diet including a lot of processed foods, excessive stress, high alcohol consumption, and overuse of anti-inflammatory pain relievers contribute to leaky gut syndrome.

How can you improve your gut health?  

Given that your gut plays a central role in your health, it’s important to keep it as healthy as you can. The following are steps you can take to keep your gut microbiome healthy. 

Eat enough fiber and a wide range of healthy foods

Scientists say that diversity in your gut microbiome is important. They recommend a Mediterranean-type diet high in vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fruits.  

Look for foods high in fiber. Fiber increases diversity in your gut microbiome and lessens the risk of gut issues such as constipation and Crohn’s disease. Fiber also reduces inflammation in your gut and supports good gut bacteria. 

Avoid greasy, salty, fried foods 

Have you noticed a connection between what you eat and how your stomach feels? Perhaps you have heartburn after eating a double burger with the works and a side of fries. Your body is sending you a message. 

If your diet is high in salt and saturated fats, you weaken the good bacteria in your gut and slow down digestion, which increases the amount of time bad bacteria have to ferment toxins. 

Get enough Vitamin D 

How’s your Vitamin D level? If you’re not sure, our team can order a simple blood test to find out. Insufficient Vitamin D increases your risk for Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other inflammatory conditions. 

Try probiotics

Your doctor may suggest an oral probiotic that you take every day. Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, and kefir are rich in probiotics, and you could try incorporating them into your diet. 

Prebiotics are contained in healthy foods you eat. They support the good bacteria in your gut microbiome and weaken the bad bacteria. Foods such as berries, bananas, flax seed, legumes, walnuts, garlic, and onion are good sources of prebiotics. Our team can provide a list of recommended foods that are gut-healthy. 

Use stress-reduction techniques

Chronic stress changes your gut microbiome. It decreases blood flow to your gut, keeping nutrients at bay. It raises your risk of leaky gut syndrome and increases inflammatory markers in your body. 

Try deep breathing techniques, meditation, mindfulness, tai chi, yoga, or cognitive behavioral therapy to lower your stress level. 

Expert gastroenterology care is a phone call away

Call Desert Valley Gastroenterology at 480-306-6405 for a consultation with our experienced, caring physicians to ensure your gut health. We’re conveniently located in Mesa’s Green Field Medical Plaza.