Sponsored by and developed in part with support from Ferring Pharmaceuticals.
Do you have a healthy gut? Have you ever thought about your gut health lately? You might be surprised to know how the health of your gut affects so many of your body’s systems. Focusing on this part of your body is not just about fitting into your skinny jeans. It can make a huge impact on many aspects of your life.
What is a healthy gut?
Your gut is much more than a storehouse for your last meal. It also contains your gut microbiome—a collection of microscopic life forms, both good and bad, that are in the stomach and intestines and are crucial to maintaining health. I started focusing on creating a healthy gut following my COVID-19 hospitalization. I felt like I needed to do everything I could to keep myself healthy.
I learned that each of us has about 300 to 500 different types of bacteria in our digestive systems which help us immensely in a myriad of ways.
How do you know if you have an unhealthy gut?
I’ve learned that harmful bacteria can thrive if we don’t have enough good bacteria in our gut. This can create a gut microbiome imbalance which may be noticed in different ways. Like me, you might have digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel system. You may also have autoimmune issues or arthritis flare-ups. An unhealthy gut may also cause you to experience heartburn, bloating or even depression. An unhealthy gut can also cause C. difficile infection or C. diff, a potentially fatal disease.
What is C. diff?
C.diff stands for Clostridioides difficile, which is the name of the germ that causes this infection. When C. diff germs take hold deep inside the gut microbiome it can cause an infection.
C. diff is the result of a change in the healthy bacteria in one’s gut, sometimes after taking antibiotics. It can cause stomach pain, nausea, fever and diarrhea. These symptoms can last for days. If left untreated it can lead to major medical issues including severely damaging the colon. It could even be fatal.
Why should you know about C. diff?
While there is beginning to be more of a focus on maintaining a healthy gut in general, specific conditions like C. diff may not be as well known. It is important for everyone to know about this disease because it is very contagious. It can become a serious health threat to family members of those infected as well as the community at large. I was in the hospital for 8 days this year which would have put me at a higher risk for C. diff, though I knew nothing about it at the time.
According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) C. diff is a disease that requires urgent and immediate action. It causes about 500,000 illnesses each year and is also responsible for tens of thousands of deaths in the U.S.
It’s important to raise awareness about C. diff so we are all reminded to maintain good health and safety measures. After the last two years, we should all know how crucial frequent hand washing and hand sanitizing can be when it comes to preventing diseases. It is also important to know and be able to recognize the symptoms of C. diff and get it treated by a medical professional right away.
Who has a higher risk of being affected by C. diff?
- Someone who is currently taking antibiotics, or has recently taken them
- Anyone aged 65 years old or older
- Someone who has been hospitalized or is in a long-term care facility
- Someone with a weakened immune system
How are the holidays challenging for those suffering with C. diff?
A variety of foods can trigger C. diff symptoms, so sufferers usually need to follow a strict diet when they are recovering. As you can imagine, the rich foods and drinks prevalent during the holiday season can be difficult for C. diff sufferers. They may not be able to fully participate in all the many food traditions of the holidays. If you have been diagnosed with C. diff, make sure you ask your doctor about what you can eat during and after your recovery.
As a result of dietary restrictions, many sufferers will have a difficult time gathering with their loved ones for meals. We all can help those with C. diff, and everyone else too, by serving gut-healthy foods over the holidays (and beyond). Check out some alternatives that everyone can enjoy.
20 Holiday Dishes To Help Maintain A Healthy Gut
- Pumpkin soup
- Eggs
- Chicken noodle soup
- Fruit salad (avoid unpeeled raw fruits)
- Deviled eggs
- Baked chicken
- Roasted turkey
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Zucchini
- Oatmeal
- Beans
- Cornbread
- Baked or mashed potato
- Beets
- Steamed or boiled vegetables
- Banana bread
- Yogurt with strawberries
- Oatmeal cookies
- Sherbet
Bottom Line: A healthy gut is something to be thankful for
Anyone who has felt the effects of an unhealthy gut understands how important gut health is to our overall physical and mental health. If you suffer from C. diff or other gut health conditions, keep washing your hands, focus on gut-healthy foods, and see a medical professional if you are experiencing any bothersome digestive symptoms.
