Enhance Your Gut Health with This Surprising Habit… And It is Not Your Diet
It's a potent reminder that our body operates as a unified system, with recent research and discussions revealing that gut health extends far beyond its immediate impact. Scientific evidence indicates that the state of our gut can influence not only our immune system and chronic inflammation but also mental health and sleep quality. The intricate relationship between gut health and various factors like poor sleep, stress, anxiety, inflammation, and infections is a two-way street, with each influencing the other.
Enter Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a gastroenterologist based in Charleston, South Carolina, and the author of The Fiber Fueled Cookbook. According to him, there's an unexpected factor tied directly to gut health that doesn't involve fiber or fermented foods—it's the health of our mouths.
Contrary to expectations, this isn't about using colorful language; it's about prioritizing oral hygiene. Discover the profound connection between gut health and dental health and learn essential practices to care for your teeth, gums, and gut simultaneously.
How Oral Health Affects Gut Health
Dr. William W. Li, an internal medicine physician from Boston and author of Eat to Beat Disease: The New Science of How Your Body Can Heal Itself, highlights the pivotal role of the mouth in gut health. The oral microbiome, comprised of healthy bacteria in the mouth, gums, and tongue, lays the foundation for a healthy gut. Poor oral health, as suggested by Dr. Bulsiewicz, may increase the risk of diseases within the gastrointestinal tract.
One example is the presence of fusobacterium, a bacteria originating in the mouth, consistently found in colon polyps and tumors. Scientists believe that maintaining good oral health is crucial for reducing the risk of gastrointestinal diseases. Bacteria and byproducts originating from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting distant organs and contributing to inflammation, escalating the risk of certain diseases.
The Links Between Dental Health and Overall Well-being
Not only does dental health correlate with gut health, but it also influences the risk of various health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and dementia. Inflammation emerges as a common factor among these conditions, underscoring the interconnected nature of our bodily systems.
How Gut Health Impacts Oral Health
This relationship is bidirectional, with the trillions of bacteria in the digestive tract influencing oral health. A disturbed gut environment can foster harmful bacteria, leading to dental plaque, tooth decay, and gum disease. An imbalance in the microbiome can also trigger inflammation, reaching the mouth and potentially progressing into gum disease.
A healthy gut is vital for optimal nutrient absorption, affecting essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin A, crucial for tooth and bone health, saliva production, and oral tissue health. Additionally, certain gastrointestinal diseases, such as GERD and IBD, can impact oral health by damaging tooth enamel and causing oral conditions like ulcers and infections.
Pro Tips for Simultaneously Improving Gut and Oral Health
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through a balanced diet, proper oral hygiene, and adequate sleep emerges as the experts' consensus for supporting gut and oral health. Here are some professional tips to achieve this dual goal:
Brush and floss regularly.
Use a tongue scraper to promote better oral hygiene.
Schedule regular dental checkups for cleanings and early issue detection.
Seek professional help for any oral health concerns promptly.
Adopt a diverse diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Choose oral care products wisely to avoid harming the oral microbiome.
Stay hydrated to support digestion, nutrient absorption, and oral health.
Prioritize adequate sleep to maintain gut microbiome balance and overall health.
Consider a probiotic before bedtime to support oral health.
In conclusion, the intimate connection between mouth and gut health emphasizes the importance of holistic well-being. By caring for your teeth and gums, you can positively impact your gut health, and vice versa. Fortunately, many practices that promote oral health also contribute to a healthier gut. Embrace a well-rounded approach for a healthier tomorrow.