Adding Gut Health to the Employee Wellness Conversation
Many employers recognize the importance of employee wellbeing in driving productivity and success. However, digestive health is often overlooked. Managing gastrointestinal (GI) problems often requires individuals to seek ongoing medical attention that impacts daily life at work and home.
Approximately 70 million Americans are living with GI diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's Disease, chronic reflux and ulcerative colitis. These conditions generate over $140 billion in healthcare costs each year – more than heart disease, mental health and trauma. And, research shows GI issues are consistently in the top five of employee-related healthcare costs.
Often, employees with GI conditions experience increased absenteeism because they must take time off work for medical appointments, treatment or recovery. Some may come to work, but experience a health issue that hinders their productivity and performance. While medications exist to manage various GI conditions, they are typically expensive and the side effects can be debilitating.
On a positive note, there are many ways people can improve their digestive health naturally. Gut health refers to the balance of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. Maintaining the right balance of these microorganisms are vital for physical and mental health, immunity and more.
Medical News Today, one of the leading health information sites in the U.S., provides several scientifically supported ways to improve the gut health naturally:
Take probiotics and eat fermented foods
To boost the beneficial bacteria in the gut, you can take probiotic supplements or consume fermented foods that are a natural source of probiotics, such as kimchi, kombucha and sauerkraut.Eat prebiotic fiber
Probiotics feed on nondigestible carbohydrates called prebiotics, which encourages beneficial bacteria to multiply in the gut. You may wish to eat more prebiotic-rich foods, such as asparagus, bananas, garlic, onions and whole grains.Eat less sugar and sweeteners
Consuming large amounts of sugar or artificial sweeteners may cause an imbalance of gut microbes. Some artificial sweeteners can even increase blood glucose levels and are linked to increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.Reduce stress
Managing stress is important for many aspects of health, including gut health. Some stress management techniques include meditation, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation and regular physical activity.Avoid taking antibiotics unnecessarily
Although antibiotics are often necessary to combat bacterial infections, overuse is a significant public health concern that can lead to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics are also damaging to the gut microbiota and immunity, and should only be taken after careful discussion with your doctor.
Overall, by making appropriate lifestyle and dietary changes, people can alter the diversity and number of microbes in their gut for the better. Other natural ways to improve digestive health include exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, avoiding smoking and following a vegetarian diet.
Employers can support employees living with GI illnesses by providing comprehensive benefits that cover digestive health and flexible work options to accommodate their healthcare needs. It might even be helpful to offer more nutritious food options in workplace cafeterias and vending machines.
Taking these positive steps can help create a healthier and more productive workforce, while also achieving the bottom line.
Pacific Federal is a Zenith American company and subsidiary of Harbour Benefit Holdings, Inc.
