Your digestive system is how your body absorbs nutrients and eliminates waste. It’s also home to your gut microbiome. When your gut is in good shape, it tends to show in multiple ways — not just in how you feel physically, but in your energy, mood, and immune function.
So it shouldn’t be too surprising that here at Las Vegas Gastroenterology, we believe staying tuned in to your gut health is essential.
Take a moment as Noel Fajardo, MD, and Filippo Cremonini, MD, share five signs that your digestive system is functioning at its best and when you might benefit from tests like endoscopies.
Having consistent, well-formed bowel movements is one of the clearest signs of a healthy digestive system. Pay attention to the frequency and shade of your bowel movements.
While everyone’s “regular” might look a little different, going anywhere from three times a day to three times a week is generally considered normal. (Anything less than three times per week could be a sign of constipation.)
Stool that’s soft, formed, and easy to pass indicates that your colon is doing its job effectively.
A healthy bowel movement can be any shade of brown. What you eat can influence the color. Beets, for example, can make your bowel movements appear red. This is harmless.
If you notice any other color — black, gray, white, or red (in the absence of eating beets) — don’t hesitate to let us know.
Some gas is completely normal — it’s a natural byproduct of digestion. If you rarely feel overly bloated or gassy after meals, it means your body breaks down food efficiently.
On the other hand, excessive gas, belching, or discomfort could indicate food intolerances or other digestive issues worth evaluating.
Occasional indigestion or heartburn happens, but frequent acid reflux can be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A healthy digestive system shouldn't regularly send stomach acid up your esophagus.
Your appetite and weight are closely linked to how well your body digests and absorbs nutrients. A balanced appetite — not excessive or absent — along with a stable weight, typically means your digestive system is processing food appropriately.
If you’re always hungry, if you’re never hungry, or if you’ve experienced unexplained weight loss, let our team know.
Did you know that about 90% of your serotonin — a hormone that helps regulate your mood — is made in your gut? A healthy digestive system supports your mental health and consistent energy levels; it’s all part of your gut-brain axis.
If you feel alert, energetic, and emotionally balanced, your gut might have something to do with that.
Now that we've covered the five signs of a healthy digestive system, let's talk about ways to make your gut even healthier.
Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains feed the good bacteria in your gut and promote regular bowel movements. Drinking enough water helps your body break down food and absorb nutrients more effectively.
Together, fiber-rich foods and plenty of water are your best defense against constipation.
Refined foods can disrupt the balance of your gut microbiome and lead to inflammation. These foods can also trigger IBS symptoms.
Other foods can support your gut microbiome. Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi introduce beneficial probiotics that support gut function.
Regular exercise is good for every system in your body, including your digestive system. Exercise stimulates your digestive tract, tones your digestive muscles, boosts your metabolism, and supports gut motility.
Even if you feel fine, staying current with age-appropriate digestive health screenings, such as colonoscopies, helps catch potential issues early.
If you notice persistent symptoms like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or abdominal pain, don’t wait to get answers.
At Las Vegas Gastroenterology, we offer comprehensive evaluations and treatment for all types of digestive conditions, from IBS to GERD to Crohn’s disease.
We begin by reviewing your symptoms and medical history, then recommend the appropriate diagnostic tests to help you get the answers you need.
For instance, if you're experiencing rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits, we may suggest a colonoscopy. If you’re dealing with chronic heartburn, an upper endoscopy can help us identify the root cause of your symptoms.
If you're unsure where to start or want personalized recommendations, don’t hesitate to call us at 702-982-7240. Or simply click here to request an appointment at either of our Las Vegas, Nevada, locations.
