Have you ever experienced digestive problems, such as bloating, constipation, or abdominal pain? Do you find that your gut health changes as you age, and you’re not sure how to take care of it properly? Maintaining good gut health is crucial for overall wellness, but many people struggle to understand the changes that occur at different stages of life.
In this article, we’ll explore how your gut health changes at different stages in life and what you can do to support your gut health. Whether you’re a young adult, in the prime of your life, or an older adult, this article will provide valuable insights into maintaining good gut health at every stage of life.
1. Childhood and Adolescence
Our gut microbiome starts developing from birth and continues to evolve throughout childhood and adolescence.1 During these stages, it’s crucial to provide the body with the right nutrients and a healthy diet to support the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Breastfeeding is particularly essential during infancy as it provides the baby with important antibodies that can help develop a healthy gut microbiome.1 As we get older, a diet rich in fibre, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help support gut health and prevent gut-related problems.2
2. Adulthood
As we enter adulthood, our gut microbiome stabilizes, and we typically have a diverse range of bacteria in our gut.3 However, certain lifestyle factors, such as a diet high in sugar and fat, stress, and lack of exercise, can negatively impact gut health.4 In addition, women may experience changes in gut health during pregnancy and menopause. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can impact gut motility and cause constipation, while menopause can result in changes to the gut microbiome and increased inflammation.5-6
3. Older Age
As we age, our gut microbiome becomes less diverse, and the number of beneficial bacteria decreases.7 Additionally one’s diet is also usually less varied or diverse which may also influence deficiency in the variety of gut microbes. This can lead to increased inflammation and a higher risk of gut-related problems, such as constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain. In addition, older adults may experience changes in gut motility, making it harder to digest certain foods.8
Lifestyle factors can have a significant impact on gut health at any stage of life. A diet high in sugar, fat, and processed foods can negatively impact gut health and lead to gut-related problems.9-10 Stress is another major factor that can affect gut health. When we’re stressed, our bodies release hormones that can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to inflammation and gut-related problems.11 Lack of exercise and poor sleep quality can also contribute to poor gut health. By making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, managing stress, getting regular exercise, and prioritizing sleep, we can support our gut health and prevent gut-related problems.
Each of us are built differently. Our bodies respond to ageing in unique ways and we each require a personalised approach to improving gut health. With that said, there are a few things we can practice improving overall gut health.
At Phytoceutics, your gut health is our priority as it is the foundation and starting point of your health and well-being. That’s why we are dedicated to ensuring you have the best information and supplements available to start improving your gut and overall health. Our range of supplements will quickly help you get your gut health on track, avoid future health problems, and get your gut healthy again.
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