Gut Health

What is the function of the digestive system?

Your digestive system is a complex network of organs and gut bacteria that affect your health.

Every bite you consume travels through your body along a route known as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It starts from the mouth and ends at the anus.

Along the way, food passes through your throat, oesophagus, stomach, and small intestines. Waste products are processed in your colon and rectum. Helping in the digestive process are your pancreas, liver and gall bladder.

Besides these major organs, up to 1,000 species of gut bacteria make up the gut microbiome in your intestines. Each of them plays a different role in your body, affecting your digestion, immune system, central nervous system and even your heart health and brain health.

What is a good diet to improve gut health?

Here are some foods you can consume to improve your gut health:

• Vegetables, legumes, beans and fruit are high fibre foods that can stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
• Whole grains contain lots of fibre and non-digestible carbs that can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
• Prebiotics such as fructans and galacto-oligosaccharides, which can be found in certain dietary fibres such as garlic, onions, pistachio nuts.
• Fermented foods like yoghurt or kimchi contain probiotics which are good bacteria that your body needs for a healthy digestive system.
• Foods rich in polyphenols, such as dark chocolate or green tea, benefit your health when they are digested by gut bacteria.

In general, eating a diverse range of foods, especially a plant-based diet, can lead to a more diverse gut microbiome and greater health benefits.

Learn about how herbs and spices can also improve your gut health

Common upper digestive tract disorders

The upper gastrointestinal (GI) or digestive tract consists of the:

• Mouth
• Oesophagus
• Stomach
• First part of the small intestine (the duodenum).

Common conditions affecting the upper GI tract include dyspepsia, peptic ulcers, gastritis, cancer, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn. These usually require prompt clinical care by a gastroenterologist or digestive tract surgeon.

Find out about upper GI conditions and their treatment options.

Common lower digestive tract disorders

The lower gastrointestinal (GI) or digestive tract comprises all other parts of the GI tract, beginning at the midsection of the small intestine (the jejunum) to the anus.

Common conditions of the lower GI tract include diverticular disease, polyps, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), haemorrhoids, cancer and anal fissures. These usually require prompt clinical care by a gastroenterologist.

Find out about lower GI conditions and their treatment options.

Liver, pancreas, gall bladder, and bile duct disorders

The liver is the largest internal organ in the body. Along with the pancreas, bile duct and gall bladder, it performs important functions such as:

• Aiding digestion
• Assisting the immune system
• Producing proteins and enzymes
• Filtering harmful substances

Many liver, gall bladder, pancreas and bile duct diseases do not display any symptoms at first. Often, symptoms may only appear in the advanced stages. If left untreated, these diseases can lead to serious damage and even death.

Learn more about:

• Common liver diseases
• Gall bladder and bile duct health
• Common pancreatic diseases