How do you take care of your gut health? Here are the drinks you should avoid.
GUT HEALTH – The gut is the gastrointestinal system and these are the drinks you must take note of that affects your gut in a bad way.
The bacteria and other micro-organisms in the gut are called gut microbiomes. They help break down food and then turn it into nutrients that the body can use for functioning. It affects both our physical and mental health.
The food we eat impacts the type and balance of bacteria in the gut along with other many factors.
The gastrointestinal system includes the stomach, intestines, and colon. Why gut health is important? This is because it is linked to the immune system, mental health, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular disease, cancer, sleep, and digestion.
In order to the gut healthy and balanced, here are the drinks you must avoid:
- Sweet tea such as lemonade and sweetened iced tea is packed with added sugar which makes them bad for the gut. A study found that causes inflammation and affects the balance of the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ microbiome.
- Sugary juice is also a drink to be avoided. Choose 100% fruit or vegetable juice, instead as they contain essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.
- Energy drinks should also be limited, They usually come with caffeine that can cause gastritis, inflammation, increased gut motility, and diarrhea.
- Coffee and other caffeine drinks are stimulants increasing gut motility. The FDA suggests drinking a maximum of 400 milligrams of caffeine daily or about three cups.
- Sodas are also filled with sugar.
- Carbonated beverages, according to some research, increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
- Alcoholic drinks consumed on a regular basis affect the microbiota. This can lead to the overgrowth of bad and unhealthy bacteria.
- Teas like green and black tea have caffeine. Choose the types that are herbal and decaffeinated.
- Chocolate drinks, according to the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, chocolates can trigger a flare-up and can lead to acid reflux in some people.
- Beverages that are sweetened artificially can lead to flatulence, bloating, and diarrhea. Aspartame and sucralose are some types of artificial sweeteners.
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