PREVENTION OF CHRONIC NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (NCDS) – DOES GUT HEALTH PLAY A ROLE?

Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are long-lasting health conditions that are not spread from person to person. They are typically the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioural or lifestyle factors. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs are responsible for about 74% of all deaths worldwide and disproportionately affect people in low- and middle-income countries, where access to healthcare and preventive measures may be limited. Research has shown that gut health plays a crucial role in preventing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). An imbalance in the gut microbiome (tiny microbes living in your gut) can lead to chronic inflammation, which is a common underlying factor in many NCDs. Thus, achieving good gut health outcomes by ensuring a healthy gut microbiome is one way to prevent NCDs. Let’s see how the gut microbiome is linked to various NCDs.

• Obesity: When the gut microbiome is disrupted, it can affect how the body processes food and stores fat, leading to overweight and obesity.
• Diabetes: Gut microbiome imbalances can trigger inflammation and change how the body uses insulin and consequently how glucose is handled, thus leading to the development of metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes.
• Cardiovascular disease: Gut bacteria produce substances that impact blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Cancer: An imbalance in the gut microbiome can lead to chronic inflammation, leading to increased cancer risk.
• Mental health: Gut-brain axis connections link gut health to depression, anxiety, and cognitive function. The gut-brain axis is like a communication highway between your gut and your brain. Imagine your gut and brain are constantly sending messages to each other. This happens through nerves, hormones, and even the gut microbiome. These messages can affect how you feel, think, and even how your body works. For example, if your gut is healthy, it can send positive signals to your brain, helping you feel good and think clearly. Conversely, if your gut is not healthy, it can send signals that might make you feel stressed or anxious. 

From the above it is clear that promoting gut health can help prevent NCDs. Diet is a major factor influencing gut health, which we have control over. Choosing a healthy balanced diet that includes high-fibre foods (e.g. whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables etc) and probiotic foods (yoghurt and some fermented foods) etc can promote a healthy gut microbiome. Conversely, diets high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can disrupt the gut microbiome, increasing the risk of NCDs. Additionally, avoiding indiscriminate use of antibiotics, having regular exercise, and managing stress are also beneficial for good gut health. By prioritizing gut health, you can reduce the risk of developing NCDs and promote overall well-being.

Written by Laurene Boateng (PhD, RD)

Laurene Boateng (PhD, RD) is a Registered Dietitian and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Dietetics, University of Ghana. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of www.fullproofnutrition.com , a website committed to providing reliable, evidence-based, and practical healthy eating advice.

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Reference

Basak, S., Banerjee, A., Pathak, S., & Duttaroy, A. K. (2022). Dietary Fats and the Gut Microbiota: Their impacts on lipid-induced metabolic syndrome. Journal of Functional Foods, 91, 105026.