Preservatives lead to bowel diseases

Hyderabad: Preservatives, additives, highly processed foods and too much of mineral water are leading to inflammatory bowel diseases in India. The changes in the gut microbes due to highly processed foods, lifestyle changes and environmental factors have seen an increase in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). 

Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, chairman of Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, said, “IBD used to be common in the western countries. In India, it has become common now. Increase in IBD has become one of the causes for diarrhoea in Indian patients.” The major culprits are preservatives used in food and high use of antibiotics by children. Professor Michael A Kamm, renowned gastroenterologist at St Vincent’s Hospital, University of Melbourne who was part of the IBD conference in the city, explained, “The gut micro biome is the cause and cure for gut diseases. To avoid IBD, people must opt for natural organic foods which are a healthier choice. This helps avoid complications in the intestine.”

The alternation in the gut micro biome is because of increasing intake of processed foods which are leading to the changes in the gut thereby affecting the immune system and leading to auto-immune diseases. Dr Rupa Banerjee, director of IBD, AIG Hospital, added, “People have to make healthier choices like opting for natural foods. When they are outside they can avoid fizzy drinks and opt for eating natural fruits and vegetables. It is important that they must opt for normal healthy water and not always the mineral water. 

These choices in foods ensure that the gut has a combination of different good bacteria which help the body systems function smoothly.”