MASSTIGE TIME

Hippocrates, the father of medicine, famously said, “Every disease stems from the gut.” From irritable bowel syndrome to obesity, colon cancer, depression, and brain disease, it’s no exaggeration to call the intestines the “control tower” of health. How much do you know about this crucial organ? Westernized eating habits and the excessive consumption of instant and processed foods are threatening Koreans’ gut health. Are you safe from this threat?

The digestive system includes organs that break down food into nutrients used for energy, growth, and recovery. It consists of various organs, from the mouth, where food enters, to the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Among these, the intestine, where 70% of immune cells reside, can be considered the “second brain.” This is because a well-functioning intestine and gut microbiome efficiently break down and absorb nutrients, remove waste, and form a robust immune system. Conversely, poor gut health can lead to various health issues and daily discomfort.

So, how is Koreans’ gut health? According to a survey by Korea Research, 3 out of 10 Koreans have experienced symptoms of constipation. Statistics from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service reveal that around 1.5 million people per year suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. Moreover, Korea has one of the highest rates of colorectal cancer globally, with more than 5 million people visiting hospitals each year for various bowel diseases. The gut health of Koreans is under significant threat due to increasingly westernized diets and the prevalence of instant and processed foods.

When unnecessary inflammation occurs across various parts of the body, it becomes a problem. As these unnecessary immune responses have become commonplace, chronic inflammation has emerged as a major issue today.

Unlike acute inflammation, which naturally subsides over time, continuous micro-inflammation is known as chronic inflammation. Since it isn’t accompanied by obvious symptoms, it is easy to leave untreated. However, if it persists, it can lead to serious diseases such as cancer and dementia, so it's important to be cautious of chronic inflammation. According to a study by the Health Promotion Center of Seoul National University Hospital, men with higher levels of chronic inflammation are 38% more likely to develop cancer than those with lower levels, and the risk is 29% higher for women.

Additionally, chronic inflammation travels through blood vessels, damaging the body, causing cell aging and deformation, and excessively activating the immune response. It ultimately disrupts the overall immune system, leading to metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes, skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis, and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. One of the characteristics of chronic inflammation is its slow progression throughout the body over years to decades, defined as a low level of systemic inflammation. It is accompanied by repeated vague symptoms such as unexplained pain, constant fatigue, insomnia, depression, anxiety, continuous constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, weight gain, and persistent colds that don’t seem to go away.

"Probiotics" frequently come up when discussing gut health and immunity. They help normalize the microbiome by increasing beneficial bacteria and suppressing harmful ones. However, not all probiotic products will meet your expectations. When selecting a probiotic, it's crucial to ensure it contains strains recognized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. For instance, Lactobacillus plantarum, a type of lactic acid bacteria found in kimchi, is particularly well-suited to the intestinal environment of Koreans, who often consume spicy foods. This strain is widely popular for its effectiveness. Additionally, check if the product meets the recommended daily dose, up to 10 billion CFUs (colony-forming units), as specified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

A healthy digestive system is essential for an energetic lifestyle, and the gut microbiome profoundly impacts overall physical and digestive health. If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, and depression—common issues these days—now is the time to consider taking probiotics. Gut health is central to a long, disease-free life, acting as the "control tower" that influences daily mood and governs lifelong health.

⁕ This information is general health information and not directly related to any specific product.