Does Beef Stay in Your System
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Myth or Fact
There's a reason why we call those intuitive leaps of knowledge that seem to come out of nowhere "gut feelings." There's a strong link between our gut and our emotions. When it comes to what we think we know about our digestive system and its workings, some beliefs are tough to shake, says gastroenterologist Peter L. Moses, MD, professor in the division of gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington. Being able to distinguish between myth and fact is important and can arm you with the information you need to feel better.
1. Cooked Food Is Easier to Digest
Here's a myth sure to drive raw foods advocates crazy. "Digestion is the process of breaking down macro-molecules into micro-molecules and being able to gain access to nutritional value, caloric content, vitamins, and minerals," says Moses. Digestion fact: Your digestive tract is a master at this, whether you supply it with food that's raw or cooked. Cooking sometimes grants easier access to nutrients, but overcooking can destroy some, too. Learn about the foods you want to cook and follow the recommended cooking methods to preserve nutrients.
2. The More Fiber, the Better
Experts recommend getting 25 grams of fiber a day, but do you need to go above and beyond when many can't even reach that goal? No! That's plenty, says Moses. What's more, if you have a digestive condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you should pay attention to the type of fiber you're eating. Research on 275 patients with IBS published in the British Medical Journal showed that having soluble fiber, like psyllium, instead of insoluble fiber, like bran, translated to fewer IBS symptoms.
3. Drink Plenty of Water With Meals
As long as you stay well hydrated throughout the day, there's no need to drag your water bottle to dinner for digestion help. In fact, says Moses, if you have acid reflux, you might find that cutting back on the beverages at mealtime improves your symptoms. For others, particularly if you're dieting, drinking a glassful before eating might cut down on calorie consumption. So, pick the strategy that works for you, and ignore this digestive myth.
4. Stress Causes Ulcers
Think that if you could only manage your stress, that ulcerous burn would stop setting you tummy on fire? Well, you can relax — at least about the source of the ulcer. The cause of your ulcer is more likely to be Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that's had a millennia-long relationship with the human species. You're certainly not alone if you have an infestation of this bug, since about half the people on the planet do. It is a leading cause of ulcers as well as certain cancers. There's good news though: H. pylori can be treated with antibiotics.
5. Colon Cleanses Detox Your Gut
Whether your best friend or the infomercial that sucked you in last night swears you'll feel lighter and healthier after a colon cleanse, don't believe it. Your body does a fine job on its own. "Nobody has 14 pounds of meat adhered to the wall of their colon," says Moses, referring to one popular radio ad for a colon-cleanse product. "It's simply not true." Here's a digestion tip in case you're still tempted: Check with your doctor before trying any cleanse to avoid unwanted consequences, such as dehydration.
6. Meat Stays in Your Stomach Longer Than Vegetables
Intuition suggests that this must be a digestion fact. After all, meat just feels heavier and fattier than veggies, right? But while it's true that fat can slow the digestive process, meat and vegetables take about the same amount of time to get through your digestive tract. However, if you have certain digestive problems or food allergies, you may find that specific foods trigger symptoms.
7. Always Go to Bed on an Empty Stomach
Weight management has more to do with how many calories you eat during the day than when you eat them. However, if you have acid reflux it's actually is a good idea to stop eating two to three hours before bedtime, just to cut down on symptoms. And in case you were wondering, here's another digestion fact: Eating before bed does not cause nightmares, says Moses.
8. Pile on the Probiotics
Do you lap up yogurts labeled "live and active cultures" because you heard it was a good digestive tip? Research into probiotics — "good" gut bacteria — is still in its early days. It seems that certain strains of bacteria may help with certain conditions, but it's not true that just any probiotics will do. The probiotics included in grocery store yogurt are good for the tummy, but get the right digestion facts: Look for labels that list the individual strains known to help, such as L. acidophilus.
9. Nuts Cause Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a condition in which pockets in the intestine become inflamed and irritated. If you have diverticulitis you may have been told to avoid nuts, corn, seeds, and popcorn. Researchers who looked at health records of more than 47,000 men found no connection between these foods and diverticulitis. As a matter of fact, fiber- and nutrient-rich nuts and seeds are healthy elements in most diets — and popcorn is actually a whole grain. The culprit in diverticulitis: a low fiber diet, says Moses.
Source: https://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health-pictures/the-biggest-digestive-myths-debunked.aspx
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