Its been linked to everything from lower stress to better mood, for starters.
Still, the sheer volume of information out there can make it difficult to separate fact from fiction.
Heres what they had to say.
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You have to poop once a day.
Lets not sugarcoat it: Your bathroom habits can be a major indicator of your overall gut health.
How often you poop is often a clue to whats going on inside.
For some people, normal might meanpoopingas much as three times per day.
For others, it might mean as little as three times per week.
Whats more, she adds, its also normal to have some variation from time to time.
Stress and spicy food cause ulcers.
Many people are actually infected withH.
Smoking and drinking alcohol may also worsen symptoms.
Bloating is always a sign that somethings wrong.
Bloatingisnt necessarily something to be worried about.
(Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are also infamous for having this effect.)
Thatgas buildup, in turn, can cause bloating.
Sure, the resulting sensation isnt exactly pleasant, but that doesnt automatically make it cause for concern.
Of course, this doesnt mean thatallbloating is normal, all the time.
Plus, bloating can sometimes be a symptom of non-digestive conditions likeovarian cancer.
But if youre feeling a little heavy after a big mealand the feeling dissipates after a bit?
Chances are youre totally fine.
Swearing off certain foods cures gas and bloating.
Over time, restricted eating can even cause nutritional deficiencies that could compound your digestive woes.
Just pace yourself when it comes to the fiber.
And if your gas and bloating persist despite these changes?
Everyone should be taking a supplement for gut health.
You know that saying If it aint broke, dont fix it?
Youre messing with your gut health for no good reasonand it could backfire on you.
Take probiotics as an example.
Plus, keep in mind that theres a lack of regulation around the supplement industry, Nielsen says.
Some supplements can contain ingredients not listed on the label, including prescription drugs.
(And yes, this is true for those labeled organic or natural as well, according to Dr. Vitamins and other supplements can replace real food.
However, dont get it twisted: Supplements should never be treated as a substitute for actual food.
In fact, research indicates they cant fully replicate the health benefits.
To some extent, the concept of detoxing makes intuitive sense.
Our bodies are really quite miraculous.
They know how to handle our food and digest it, Van Eck says.
Your liver, kidneys, and lungs do all of the detoxing you need.
Not only is detoxing not necessary, its likely to do more harm than good.
In fact, thats actually the opposite of what you would want to do, Nielsen says.
Besides, we need solid food to prevent constipation.
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