Misinformation about gut health is becoming more prevalent. You may be wondering just how much of it is true. With so many different myths about gut health, it can be challenging to distinguish what affects your gut health and what doesn’t. In this article, we’re going to explore some of the most common myths about gut health that have been debunked. Knowing what affects our gut health and what doesn’t is the first step toward creating healthy habits that work.

Myth: Stress is the cause of IBD

IBD is short for involuntary bowel disease, a condition many people have to manage with. You may have heard that stress is the cause of IBD. However, this isn’t the truth. IBD’s actual cause is unknown, but it is related to a weakened immune system. Even though IBD is uncomfortable, it can be managed. Taking care of your mental health through therapy and healthy coping mechanisms is one of the best ways to reduce the effects of IBD. Talking with people going through the same things as you is another helpful way to reduce negative emotions. Making healthy choices is another thing that can’t hurt to try. A diet you know works for you and a healthy exercise regimen are some of the best changes you can make. If you wish to take supplements, consult your doctor and find the right supplements.

The reason people assume IBD is caused by stress is that most people with IBD experience stress. However, the stress results from having to deal with IBD, not the reason they have it. In return, stress can make the symptoms of IBD worse. Experiencing stress during difficult situations can negatively affect your gut health. The mental challenges that come with significant life changes and negative situations can significantly strain your overall health. In situations like these, it’s essential to pay attention to your wellbeing and take care of your mental health. Although stress isn’t the cause of IBD, it can lead to other life-threatening conditions, such as heart problems. In order to manage stress, find a healthy way to cope with it. Talking with someone you trust and exercising are just some ways to manage these situations.

a woman looking stressed while working

One of the most common myths about gut health is that stress can cause IBD

Myth: Gluten is bad for your gut health

Gluten-free diets are becoming more and more popular in recent years. However, if you are looking to improve your overall gut health, this won’t have an effect. Gluten has negative consequences for people with celiac disease and those who are intolerant to gluten. Various symptoms occur when people with these conditions come into contact with gluten. Bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhea are just some of the most common symptoms a person with celiac disease may experience when coming into contact with gluten. A gluten allergy has different symptoms, such as a rash and sneezing. People have recently started avoiding gluten even though they don’t have these conditions, assuming that avoiding gluten will make them healthier.

This is one of the recent myths about gut health. Some assume that a gluten-free diet is a good idea for everyone, not just people suffering from these conditions. But avoiding gluten when you don’t have a gluten allergy or celiac disease will not affect your gut health. Reading about all of the gluten-free food options available may lead you to believe that gluten should be avoided at all costs. In fact, some gluten-free foods are also low in fiber and high in sugar. So, if you choose a gluten-free diet solely for your gut health but don’t have celiac disease or a gluten allergy, it won’t help you.

 a gluten bread loaf

Avoiding gluten if you don’t have a gluten allergy or celiac disease won’t make a difference in your gut health.

Myth: Probiotics are useless for gut health

When you take the right amount of probiotics, you can improve your gut health. Probiotics provide your body with the good bacteria it needs in order to function normally. So they balance out the gut bacteria in your body. Before you go out and purchase probiotics, you should know that not all probiotics are the same. The probiotic supplements that may work for someone else may not be the right ones for you. You can take probiotics as supplements or in food. Sourdough bread, sauerkraut, blueberries, and other delicious foods are rich in probiotics. Most fermented foods have a lot of probiotics in them. Another common myth about probiotics is that they are found in all yogurts. Read the label carefully to find out whether a yogurt has probiotics in it.

Although the effect of probiotics is still being studied, we’ve seen probiotics contribute to good gut health. Recent research shows that probiotic supplements can improve your mental health as well. In general, taking care of your body and making healthy dietary decisions can help a lot. This can help you with mental health and dealing with stress. Some of the most stressful situations in our lives, such as changing jobs or moving to a new city, can have a negative effect on our mental and physical health. Experts from evolutionmovingdfw.com advise you to plan the moving process thoroughly in order to reduce the amount of stress you experience. Besides living a healthy lifestyle, staying organized is another thing that can help your mental health. Now, you will feel more in control of your life.

blueberries in granola

Foods rich in probiotics, such as blueberries, can be beneficial to your gut health.

To sum up the myths about gut health

To live a healthy lifestyle and make truly good decisions about your gut health, we must first separate myth from reality. These myths about gut health are some of the most common health myths nowadays. With the rise in popularity of diets that are good for gut health, it’s more important than ever to stay informed. As a result of staying well informed, you ensure you only make the right decisions for your body and overall gut health.

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It is our mission “To provide compassionate, high quality, cost-effective care to patients with gastrointestinal related problems.”

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