Digestive Tract Health Awareness: The Digestive System · Gastroparesis Patient Assoc. (G-Pact.org) · AboutGastroparesis.org · Other Conditions · New Jersey Specialists
Source: AustinGastro.com
Common Myths About Digestive Health
The More Fiber, the Better?
Fiber greatly helps the digestive system foster regular bowel movements, so it is highly beneficial to your overall health. Daily fiber intake should ideally be about 25 grams. To give you an idea of what that could look like, consider these numbers:
2 pieces of whole-wheat bread = 4 grams
1 banana = 3 grams
1 cup of popcorn = 3.5 grams
1/2 cup of almonds = 8 grams
2 cups of pasta = 6 grams
1 apple = 4 grams
However, going overboard on your fiber intake could lead to uncomfortable symptoms, such as gas, constipation, and bloating.
Fiber is ideally consumed from real food – do not overdo it on fiber supplements.
Stress Causes Peptic Ulcers?
While it’s always a good idea to reduce stress levels, there is a myth that stress causes peptic ulcers – which are ulcers that can develop in the stomach lining. Although stress itself does not cause peptic ulcers, it can worsen their symptoms — the stomach indeed increases acid production as a response to stress.
Peptic ulcers are actually usually caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which can infect the stomach and damage its tissues. The bacteria can enter the body by consuming undercooked food and unclean drinking water.
Peptic ulcers can also develop from the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
Milk Cures Stomach Ulcers?
Many people believe that milk can cure a stomach ulcer. However, especially in the case of peptic ulcers, only antibiotics can kill the bacteria. Milk does have soothing and relieving effects, but not curative effects.
Colon Cleanses Are Detoxifying?
Bacteria in the colon are there for a reason, so their removal can cause an unhealthy imbalance and can be harmful to your digestive health. A colon cleanse is important when preparing to have a colonoscopy, but it is not meant to be a detoxifying technique.