"Nails break easily and skin looks dull"... Signs of possible intestinal issues suspected of cancer?
I'm worried because I have many acquaintances around me who are getting cancer.
I might also be an exception to articles like these.
I should read it carefully~
✔️Damaged skin, hair, and nails
If your skin looks dull or you experience frequent skin troubles for no apparent reason, and if your hair becomes dry and your nails break easily, it is a warning sign for your gut health. This is mainly due to nutrient absorption disorders; when gut health deteriorates, the small intestine cannot absorb nutrients sufficiently. For example, if important nutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamin D are not properly absorbed, nails tend to break easily and hair can become dull and brittle.
Easily fractured bones
If your intestinal health is poor, not only your nails but also your bones can easily break. In cases of chronic intestinal inflammation or celiac disease, sufficient calcium absorption becomes difficult, leading to osteoporosis. Calcium is essential for maintaining the strength of bones and nails. However, when intestinal health deteriorates, calcium absorption decreases, weakening the bones and potentially leading to fractures.
Frequent bathroom visits
Having frequent bowel movements does not necessarily mean good intestinal health. It is also not good to be unable to fully defecate and to have multiple "small" bowel movements. This could be caused by various factors such as enteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, or inflammatory bowel disease. The normal frequency of bowel movements varies from person to person. Generally, it ranges from three times a day to three times a week. However, more important than the frequency of bowel movements are the consistency of the stool and discomfort after defecation. Sudden changes in bowel habits may indicate abnormalities in intestinal health, so careful observation is necessary.
When your stomach health is poor, excessive gas or abdominal bloating may occur. Sounds from the abdomen can also be a signal. For example, indigestion and food intolerance are cases where this happens. It indicates difficulty in digesting certain foods; for instance, lactose intolerance occurs when consuming dairy products. Gluten intolerance occurs when consuming foods containing gluten.
✔️Persistent fatigue
When the intestines are unhealthy, they cannot absorb the necessary nutrients even when eating. In particular, deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D can cause fatigue. Additionally, Leaky Gut Syndrome, where the intestinal barrier is damaged, allows toxins and microorganisms to enter the bloodstream, leading to systemic inflammation. This can result in fatigue and immune system abnormalities.
✔️Feelings of depression or low mood
Gut health and mental health, particularly depression and mood disturbances, are closely related. This primarily occurs through the interaction pathway called the gut-brain axis. The gut-brain axis is a communication route through which the gut and brain interact via nerves, hormones, and the immune system, allowing the state of the gut to influence the brain.
Frequent cough and cold
The intestine is a vital immune organ where about 70% of the body's immune cells reside. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the immune system, and when gut health deteriorates, immune strength can weaken, making the body more vulnerable to infections.
To improve gut health, you should ensure you consume enough fiber that gut microbiota love.
To improve gut health, it is important to change eating habits and lifestyle habits. During lunch and dinner, it is recommended to fill one-third to half of the plate with vegetables. This helps maintain healthy gut microbiota and promotes smooth bowel movements. It is also important to consume a variety of plant-based foods. Do not stick to only the foods you usually eat; aim to include a diverse range of plant-based foods.
It is recommended to consume more than 30 grams of fiber per day. According to previous studies, consuming more than 50 grams of fiber can provide additional health benefits. Foods rich in good fiber include oatmeal, oat bran, high-fiber breakfast cereals, sweet potatoes, potatoes eaten with skin, whole grain bread and pasta, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. It is also beneficial to include herbs and spices in your diet.