Dr Ajay B R,Associate Consultant - Medical Gastroenterology, Aster Whitefield Hospital 

Maintaining good gut health is very important for the overall well-being as well, but many individuals engage in practices that harm their digestion, even without their knowledge. This article discusses six common everyday habits that may be damaging one’s gut health and how to rectify them.

Ignoring Breakfast – People never give much importance to breakfast, often skipping it when they are in a hurry. Although it is normal for many people, prolonged fasting can cause acidity. Consuming a healthy and filling breakfast every morning is an important aspect of maintaining gut health and feeling energized the whole day. Preferring food that is rich in fiber, can help kick off metabolism and healthy bacteria in the gut all day.

Overuse of Antibiotics - Antibiotics are highly effective in fighting infections. However, if not taken with caution, it can adversely affect the presence of healthy bacteria in the gut which is important for digestion. This can further trigger digestive problems and inflammation in the individual. So, in order to protect the gut health, antibiotics should be taken only if they have been prescribed by a medical practitioner. People should also consult doctors and follow diets that can help to restore their health.

High Sugar Intake – Consuming excessive sugar encourages the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms in one’s intestines. This presence leads to the development of inflammation in the intestines and affects the digestive health of the individual. One should be able to moderate sugar consumption effectively by reading labels and selecting unprocessed products which will limit the amount of sugars that are hidden in the form of additives. Adding fruits or dried fruits to the meal can also help people to replace sugar with better alternatives while not compromising on the taste.

Using Antacids Too Often - It is tempting to take an antacid when one experiences stomach discomfort or digestive problems. However, taking them too often can aid certain problems like reducing the acidity of the stomach, which is essential for digestion. Consulting doctors for such cases will help people to get the correct diagnosis and treatment. 

Stress and Anxiety – Stress has become a constant part of the high-paced lifestyle led by people nowadays. Since the act of consuming food and its nutritional benefits is related to a person’s emotional state, today’s stressful lives make it difficult for people to maintain a healthy gut. Engaging in regular physical activity and performing deep breathing or meditative exercises can help individuals to relieve stress while creating a healthy balance within the gut, thus promoting good health.

Dehydration - Life can often get hectic making most people overlook hydration. Drinking less amount of water leads to constipation. It is very important to drink a lot of water as it helps in the smooth functioning of the gut activity. Consuming at least 2 to 3 litres of water within a day is always encouraged.

People can easily maintain an active and healthy gut by simply being conscious of their daily habits. Most of these take very little effort to follow but greatly impact one’s gastrointestinal health while also boosting energy levels, lifting moods, and optimizing the immune function.