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The Power of Plants: How Fiber Supports Gut Health
We discussed in a previous article how constipation is often the “elephant in the room”, a topic people may feel uncomfortable discussing. Healthy bowel habits are important throughout the entire lifespan, from infancy to older adulthood. Constipation not only disrupts daily routines and quality of life, but if not addressed, can contribute to more serious health conditions. Healthy bowel habits start with healthy lifestyle choices, and nutrition is a key contributor.
Why should antibiotic stewardship be important to the patient?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antibiotics have advanced medical care by treating previously known fatal conditions and extending life. Yet, the inappropriate use of these medications can contribute to antibiotic resistance, adverse risks (like C. diff), longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and negatively affect population health [1]. In fact, antibiotic resistance can be a factor to medical harm, causing 2 million infections and 23,000 deaths annually [2]. Judicious use of antibiotics is therefore important, yet the CDC relates that 30% of prescribing in both inpatient and outpatient settings are not necessary [1, 2].
Gut Microbiome and Mental Health
The relationship between the body and the trillions of bacteria and other microbes it harbors is extremely complex and continues to be discovered. A high diversity of microbes is beneficial to the body and is characteristic of a resilient environment. On the other hand, low diversity can contribute to disease. This can be related to poor diet, antibiotics, obesity, stress, and other factors [1]. The gut microbiome (the term for the abundance of microorganisms and their environment) can plan a role in mental well-being, in addition to physical health.