The Effects of Environmental Pollution on the Digestive System

Environmental pollution is a growing global concern, impacting not only respiratory health but also the digestive system. Pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, and microplastics often find their way into our food and water, causing subtle yet significant health challenges. How Pollution Affects the Digestive System Introduction of Toxins through Food and Water : Pollutants such as lead, arsenic, and pesticides frequently contaminate crops and water supplies. When ingested, these toxins disrupt the digestive process, potentially leading to issues like bloating, diarrhea, or even long-term illnesses like gastrointestinal cancer. Imbalance in Gut Microbiota : Exposure to environmental pollutants can harm the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in digestion and immune function. A disrupted gut microbiome may cause conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and food intolerances. Stress on the Liver : The liver acts as the body’s primary det...