Did you know your stomach is so powerful it can actually affect how well you think and learn in school?
Did you know your stomach is so powerful it can actually affect how well you think and learn in school?
Every year on 29 May, the world celebrates World Digestive Health Day. This special day reminds us how important our digestive system is to our overall health and happiness. Digestion is the process by which our body breaks down the food we eat into nutrients that give us energy, help us grow, and keep our brain working well. Without a healthy digestive system, we might feel tired, uncomfortable, or unable to focus in class. In Singapore, where students work hard at school every day, keeping our tummy healthy is just as important as studying hard.
Our digestive system is a long, amazing journey that food takes through our body. When you eat a bowl of rice or a piece of fruit, your teeth begin breaking it down, then your stomach continues the work, and finally your intestines absorb all the good nutrients. The whole digestive tract in an adult human is about nine metres long — that is almost as long as a school bus! To keep this system working well, we need to eat a variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and foods rich in fibre. In Singapore, we are lucky to have a rich variety of healthy foods like papaya, broccoli, brown rice, and fish that are great for our digestive health. Drinking enough water every day — at least six to eight glasses — also helps food move smoothly through our digestive system.
Unhealthy eating habits can cause problems like stomachaches, constipation, bloating, and even more serious conditions as we grow older. Eating too much fast food, sugary drinks, and snacks with little nutritional value can harm the good bacteria in our gut. Scientists have discovered that our gut contains trillions of tiny bacteria called the gut microbiome, and these bacteria actually help us stay healthy and even influence our mood and brain function. This connection between our gut and brain is called the gut-brain axis. When our gut is healthy, we feel happier and more alert. When it is unhealthy, we may feel sluggish, sad, or find it hard to concentrate during lessons.
At iGlobal Educational Services, we believe that learning and healthy living go hand in hand. Simple daily habits can make a huge difference. Start your day with a nutritious breakfast — perhaps oats, eggs, or fruit. Eat slowly and chew your food well. Avoid skipping meals, and try to eat at regular times each day. Replace sugary drinks with water or warm soup. Include fibrous foods like vegetables, beans, and whole grains in every meal. Stay active by playing sports or exercising regularly, as physical movement helps your digestive system too. This World Digestive Health Day, let us all commit to taking better care of our tummies — because a happy gut means a sharper mind, a stronger body, and a brighter future!
