The topic of gut health has gained increasing attention — but what does a healthy gut really mean?
Good gut health isn’t about achieving a ‘perfect’ microbiome (no one knows what this actually is!) or following a restrictive diet. It is about maintaining a digestive system that functions well, supported by healthy, sustainable habits.
The gut breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, regulates bowel movements and works closely with the immune system and trillions of microorganisms living within the gut. For most people, a healthy gut starts with the basics, including a fibre rich diet and moderate exercise.
Occasional bloating or stomach discomfort is common and will often settle with time or simple dietary and lifestyle changes. Persistent or unexplained symptoms, however, shouldn’t simply be put down to "poor gut health". Talk to your GP if these symptoms are accompanied by blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, persistent pains or unusual tiredness, possibly representing low iron levels from hidden bleeding.
Sometimes, further investigation is appropriate. Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy use a thin, flexible camera under comfortable sedation to examine the digestive tract and can help identify the cause of symptoms. Colonoscopy is the most effective known method to prevent development of bowel cancer, as precancerous polyps can often be identified and removed during the procedure.
Colonoscopy may be recommended because of your symptoms, or also a significant family history of bowel cancer, as many times, cancer or polyps can have no symptoms either. Whether it is appropriate depends on your individual circumstances and should be discussed with your doctor.
At Waitematā Endoscopy, we aim to make taking a proactive approach to your gut health easy, and can offer most standard Colonoscopy and Gastroscopy appointments within seven working days of receiving a referral to our group of experienced specialists.*
To learn more, visit our website www.waitemataendoscopy.co.nz
Dr Cameron Schauer, Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist
Waitematā Endoscopy T: 09 925 4449
#ponsonbynews #iloveponsonby #loveponsonby #ponsonby #auckland #aucklandshippestrip #onlyponsonby #ponsonbyroad #Greylynn #freemansbay #westmere ##hernebay #stmarysbay #archhill #coxsbay @followers #followers @everyone #everyone #waitematalocalboard @highlight
