8 everyday habits that may be affecting your gut health

Many daily actions could be impacting gut health in subtle ways, according to gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi. In an Instagram post, he outlined eight habits he believes are worth paying attention to.

Dr. Sethi cautioned that eating while distracted, like scrolling through social media, may prevent people from noticing when they are full, leading to consuming up to 30% more calories each meal. Eating a sweet treat at the end of a meal can also feed the wrong type of gut bacteria, which could feed their growth and increase cravings for sugar in the future.

Other habits that could negatively affect digestion include regularly skipping breakfast, delaying bowel movements, and having meals too close to bedtime. Intermittent fasting, on the other hand, can disrupt gut motility if not done consistently, causing stress that hinders digestive function.

Dr. Sethi warned that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can slowly erode the protective lining of the gut without causing immediate pain. He also advised against relying on night-time hydration, stating that it does little to benefit the gut or kidneys.

Repeatedly ignoring the body's natural signals to use the bathroom can lead to chronic constipation, as the gut may eventually stop sending the appropriate signals. Eating right before going to bed can also interfere with the digestive process, as the body is not designed to break down food while lying down.

While some of these habits have strong scientific backing, others may have more gradual effects over time rather than immediate consequences. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help differentiate between established evidence and oversimplified advice.