Your digestive tract contains trillions of microbes that play a huge role in your overall health. There are approximately 1,000 different species of bacteria in your digestive system.

The key to a healthy digestive system is to ensure that the numbers and types of bacteria present are carefully balanced. 

In this article, we will explore digestive health, why it is important, how you can improve it, what foods to eat and avoid, and how you can check the health of your digestive system.

Digestive health refers to the balance of bacteria in your digestive tract, which creates a complex and essential internal ecosystem. It is linked to the harmony between beneficial and harmful bacteria.

Around 70–80% of immune cells are in the digestive system. Additionally, bacteria in the digestive tract are responsible for producing essential vitamins and hormones. Therefore, bacterial balance disruption may affect your immune response, physical health, and mood.

An unhealthy gut can make you more susceptible to illnesses and lead to symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, discomfort, and bloating. It has also been linked to autoimmune diseases, including thyroid problems and diabetes. Maintaining a healthy digestive system is essential for proper bodily functions, a strong immune system, a healthy heart, and good sleep quality.

Several factors can negatively impact your gut health and induce an imbalance in your digestive bacteria, the most important of which are:

Stress can cause stomach problems and alter the bacteria levels in your gut. It raises stress hormones, causes inflammation, and alters your body's functions. In response, the gut bacteria release metabolites, toxins, and neurohormones that can influence appetite and mood.

Lack of sleep causes stress, which leads to the above symptoms and high cortisol levels. It can also affect your food choices and eating times. When sleep-deprived, people are more likely to consume processed foods high in carbohydrates, sugars, and unhealthy fats, which can contribute to poor gut health. 

Processed foods contain higher carbohydrates, refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and low fiber than fresh vegetables. Eating processed foods daily can disturb the balance of bacteria in your digestive tract.

Antibiotics are used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. However, they kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria, so they can negatively impact your gut health by reducing the diversity of bacteria in your digestive tract.

•  Frequent stomach discomfort.

•  Unintended weight changes. 

•  Fatigue.

•  Skin irritation. 

•  Autoimmune diseases.

•  Food intolerance.

Lifestyle and dietary factors can negatively impact your gut health. However you can also make changes to your daily life that benefit your gut health and overall physical and mental well-being:

•  Get a good night's sleep.

•  Eat your food slowly.

•  Keep yourself hydrated.

•  Improve your diet.

Several foods, such as yogurt, artichokes, onions, leeks, foods rich in fiber, beans, broccoli, berries, and avocado, can benefit your gut and help increase beneficial bacteria and reduce the number of harmful bacteria.

Many foods are considered unhealthy as they have the potential to disrupt your gut health, affecting the bacteria in your digestive tract, and leading to unwanted gastrointestinal symptoms and digestive disorders. 

Foods to avoid include:

•  Red meat.

•  Refined sugar and white flour-based products (bread, cakes, and biscuits).

•  Fried foods.

•  Alcohol.

•  Caffeine.

If you're concerned about your gut health, there are ways you can assess how well your digestive system is functioning and the levels of bacteria in your gut.

First, you can pay close attention to the frequency of your bowel movements. The normal frequency varies individually, but if your bowel movements have changed significantly from your normal rate, it may be worth seeking medical advice. You can also pay attention to the color, size, and shape of your stool.