Surgeon Shares Gut Health Habits And When To See A Doctor

Gut health affects much more than just digestion, as the digestive tract connects directly with the immune system and the brain. Many people ignore early warning signs like acidity or bloating, often blaming a stressful workday, a late dinner, or takeaway food before turning to home remedies or self-medication. When these symptoms keep returning, experts advise looking past temporary fixes.

Gut Habits

Dr Rajeev Reddy, a consultant in gastrointestinal and minimally invasive surgery at Arete Hospitals, points out that the gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that help with metabolism and digestion. The balance of these microbes depends on diet, physical activity, sleep, stress levels, and the use of certain medicines like antibiotics. Diets heavy in packaged items, added sugars, and refined carbs with low fibre fail to support healthy bowel movements. Dr Reddy suggests eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, nuts, and seeds to provide fibre for good gut bacteria. Meal timing matters just as much as food choices, since skipping meals all day and eating a heavy late-night dinner can worsen acidity and reflux.

Medical Warning

People often try to treat abdominal pain, acidity, or bloating at home without understanding the risks of unprescribed drugs. Dr Reddy warns against repeatedly taking medicines for acidity or using antibiotics without a doctor's guidance, noting that antibiotics can alter the normal gut microbiome. Stress and poor sleep also disrupt digestion through the continuous communication of the gut-brain axis, which can cause loose stools, constipation, or abdominal discomfort. Furthermore, expensive detox drinks, restrictive food plans, and costly supplements are unnecessary for a healthy gut.

Context

Digestive wellness depends heavily on sustainable daily habits like eating enough fibre, staying physically active, managing stress, and sleeping well. Persistent symptoms should prompt a proper medical evaluation rather than being brushed off simply as a sensitive gut.