Inflammation and the Gut: A Closer Look at Digestive Disorders

There's so much to talk about when it comes to inflammation — the supplements that may help reduce it, the foods that cause it, the diseases that arise from too much of it, and more. There's also constant buzz about probiotics and various digestive disorders. Why all the fuss? Well, it turns out that inflammation is the root cause of many chronic diseases.

Inflammation Can Make or Break Your Health

Inflammation is one of your body's natural defenses. It occurs when your immune system recognizes something as harmful (like an infection or foreign substance) and tries to trap it and remove it from your body. Your body reacts with symptoms like swelling, pain and redness, which we all experience when we cut a finger or fall and scrape our knees. But inflammation can also occur inside your body where you can't see it.

There are two types of inflammation:

• Acute inflammation is a short-term, sudden response that may last a day or a few weeks but goes away once your body is healed.

• Chronic inflammation is a long-term response and can last for several months or years. It's caused by consistent exposure to harmful things in your environment or a chronic disease like cancer or an autoimmune disorder. When inflammation is chronic, your body continues sending inflammatory signals and substances even when there's no more immediate harm.

Inflammation Sabotages Gut Health

To understand how inflammation affects the gut, you need to understand the complex ecosystem of microorganisms that live in your digestive tract, also known as the gut microbiome. Many of these microorganisms are bacteria; some of these are beneficial and some are harmful.

A healthy gut microbiome has a balance of good and bad microorganisms. But when too many harmful microorganisms take over, an imbalance causes a condition called dysbiosis. Dysbiosis is the main cause of an unhealthy gut that can lead to digestion problems and digestive disorders. Research shows that dysbiosis contributes to inflammation in your digestive tract and possibly other areas of the body. It does this by causing increased permeability within the walls, or lining, of your intestines. This means that particles begin leaking through the intestinal lining into the bloodstream, where they don't belong. This is sometimes referred to as "leaky gut," and it can lead to low-grade, but often chronic, inflammation.

When gut inflammation gets out of control, digestive disorders can develop. Having a digestive disorder can trigger more inflammation, creating a vicious cycle. Examples of gut disorders involving inflammation include:

• Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). These include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which are both autoimmune diseases that occur when the body's immune system attacks normal and healthy bodily tissues. Both types of IBD involve inflammation in the digestive tract, particularly in the large intestine, and cause unpleasant symptoms and digestion problems.

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a collection of digestive symptoms such as gas, bloating and abnormal bowel habits. Dysbiosis, and the inflammation it causes, are believed to be one of many causes of IBS.

• Diverticulitis. This condition develops when abnormal pouches that form in the colon (known as diverticula) become inflamed and may also become infected. Diverticulitis can cause symptoms like pain, fever, nausea and a change in bowel habits.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD, also referred to as acid reflux, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. When this happens repeatedly over time, GERD can develop. Stomach acid can break down tissue in the esophagus, causing inflammation, bleeding and sometimes ulcers.

When Gut Inflammation Gets Bad

Uncontrolled inflammation in your gut can take a toll on other parts of your body, impacting organs and bodily functions. This is a type of chronic inflammation known as systemic inflammation.

Research has shown that chronic inflammation can lead to many other conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and other joint disorders, allergies, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

How To Soothe an Inflamed Gut

If you suffer from digestive problems, managing inflammation is a key part of your healing journey. Fortunately, there's a lot you can do to treat inflammation in your gut:

• Change your diet. Certain foods and eating habits make inflammation worse, while others can help alleviate inflammation in both your gut and other parts of your body.

  • Eat anti-inflammatory foods: colorful fruits and vegetables like berries, tomatoes and leafy greens; nuts and seeds; sources of omega-3 fats like salmon, tuna and chia seeds; olive oil; green tea; and turmeric.

  • Avoid foods and beverages that can make inflammation worse: highly processed foods like convenience meals, many packaged snacks and fast foods; fried foods; red meat and highly processed meats like hot dogs and bacon; refined carbohydrates like white bread, white rice and pastries; foods high in added sugar like candy, cookies and sweetened snack foods; and sweetened beverages like soda and prepared coffee or tea drinks.

• Take the right supplements. Probiotic supplements have been shown to help control the inflammatory process, keeping it from getting out of hand. Other supplements that may help fight inflammation include omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, resveratrol, ginger, glutathione and green tea extract. Keep in mind that certain supplements may increase inflammation, so it's important to do your research.*
• Consider other lifestyle changes. In order to fully support a healthy and happy digestive system, it's best to exercise several times a week, stay hydrated, limit alcohol, avoid smoking, and try to manage your stress levels.

Seeking Whole-Body Health

The health of your gut can impact the health of your entire body. Because inflammation can lead to a slew of health disorders, taking care of your gut health and following an anti-inflammatory diet are crucial steps toward protecting and managing your overall well-being.

If you're unable to prioritize a well-balanced diet, or are looking to further bolster your efforts, talk to your Rite Aid Pharmacist, your physician or a dietitian. They can offer advice on diet, supplements and lifestyle changes, tailored to your specific needs and goals. Take steps now to protect yourself from inflammation and support your overall health. In the end, your body will thank you.

Clinically reviewed on Sept. 10, 2024.