Expert interviews intestinal friendly or intestinal hostile - What helps the intestinal flora and what harm do you?

Intestinal friend or intestinal enemy? What is good for the digestive tract and what harms it

In the course of a lifetime, the gut creates something incredible. It digests 30 tons of food - the average weight of a mature humpback whale. In addition, he plays a crucial role in the defense against pathogens. Accordingly, it is advisable to take special care of the sensitive organ. "Excessive, greasy food, little fresh fruit and constant stress overload the intestine and lead to far-reaching problems," emphasizes Prof. (University Chisinau). Dr. Stefan Hillejan, phlebologist and proctologist from the Clinic for Venous and Diseases of the Thoracic Diseases in Hanover and Chairman of the Professional Association of Qualified Medical Experts in Germany. Who wants to avoid complaints, should treat the intestine with special care.

Three intestine friends

Basically, after dinner do not overwork, but still move. Troublesome sports during the digestive process, for example, lead to unpleasant reactions such as side stabbing. However, even the popular nap immediately after eating has a negative effect on the intestine, as the body goes into a horizontal position and thus acids flow back into the esophagus and cause unpleasant burping and a burning sensation in the throat and chest area can. Instead, a short walk is recommended. This fulfills several purposes. First, it promotes the circulation of the gastrointestinal tract, which accelerates digestion. On the other hand, the upright gait prevents the reflux of gastric acid.

Beneficial for the intestines are fresh fruits and vegetables. Bananas contain, for example, vitamins, starch and potassium. The latter regulates the fluid balance and thereby reduces a risk of disease of the intestine. In addition, blueberries have a germ repellent, apples an anti-inflammatory effect and vegetables such as beetroot support the natural detoxification and provide the body with fiber and antioxidants that strengthen the intestinal wall. Finally, fluid is one of the most important pillars of healthy digestion. About two liters of water per day ensure optimal consistency of the stool and thus simplify the excretion.

Three intestine enemies

With its 100 million nerve cells, the intestine is in permanent contact with the brain. If the body is a little bit psychologically, it also has a negative effect on the digestive tract. For example, stress reduces the number of lactic acid bacteria that make up a vital part of the microflora because of their resistance to gastric acidity and bile. The stress-related release of adrenaline also leads to a reduction in intestinal activity, which leads to constipation in extreme cases. Also harmful to the stomach: overeating and high fat foods.

The more and the more greasy the meal, the sooner it comes to an overload of the intestine. Regular meal breaks and a lot of drinking counteract this. Especially with birthdays or holidays such as Easter and Christmas, people with bowel problems should take care not to have permanently fatty and sweet at hand to protect the digestive tract. Intestinal bacteria break down the sugar and cause bloating.

In the end, excessive alcohol consumption is probably one of the biggest enemies of the gut. It triggers a variety of reactions that have unpleasant consequences in the short and long term. The alcohol content of beer, wine and spirits is converted virtually 1 to 1 in body fat. At the same time the alcohol mixes up the water and salt balance, as it, like coffee, excessively drives the kidney's fluid and mineral excretion. Indirect consequence: irritated mucous membranes and the increased likelihood of diarrhea. (sb, pm)