Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, May 19: Maintaining good gut health depends not only on diet but also on daily lifestyle habits, according to gastroenterologist Saurabh Sethi, who recently highlighted eight common habits that may quietly damage digestive health over time.
Dr Sethi, a California-based specialist trained at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Harvard University and Stanford University, shared the insights through a post on Instagram on May 13.
According to him, many people unknowingly follow several of these habits regularly.
One of the key concerns highlighted was eating while using screens. Dr Sethi said that eating while scrolling on phones or watching screens distracts the brain from recognising fullness, often leading people to consume nearly 30 per cent more food.
He also warned against randomly skipping breakfast under the assumption that it amounts to intermittent fasting.
“Intermittent fasting needs to be properly scheduled. Randomly skipping meals spikes cortisol and affects gut motility. That’s not fasting, that’s stress,” he explained.
Another unhealthy practice, according to the expert, is ending every meal with sweets. Excessive sugar intake feeds unhealthy gut bacteria and increases sugar cravings over time.
Dr Sethi further cautioned against frequently using over-the-counter painkillers such as Ibuprofen for minor headaches.
He said nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs could gradually damage the gut lining without immediate warning signs.
Hydration habits also matter, he noted. Drinking large amounts of water only at night is ineffective because the gut and kidneys require hydration consistently throughout the day.
Ignoring the urge for bowel movements was another habit the doctor described as harmful. He explained that repeatedly delaying bowel movements can weaken the body’s natural signalling process and eventually contribute to chronic constipation.
Dr Sethi also advised against constant snacking between meals, saying the gut has a natural self-cleaning cycle that works only when a person is not eating.
“Continuous snacking interrupts this cleaning process every day,” he said.
The gastroenterologist additionally warned against eating within an hour before bedtime, explaining that the digestive system, like the rest of the body, undergoes repair during sleep.
“Food in the way shuts the whole process down,” he stated.
Experts say maintaining healthy eating patterns, staying hydrated, avoiding excessive sugar and mindful eating habits can significantly improve gut health and overall wellbeing.