Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 11 hrs ago
Surgeon advises gut-friendly habits and caution with repeated self-medication
A gastrointestinal surgeon says gut health involves more than digestion and is linked to immunity and metabolism.
The balance of gut microorganisms can be affected by diet, activity, sleep, stress and some medicines, especially antibiotics.
Occasional acidity, gas or bloating is common, but symptoms that keep returning or affect daily life may need attention.
The surgeon recommends fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, nuts and seeds, which provide fibre to support bowel movements and beneficial gut bacteria.
Regular meals and enough water may help, while skipping meals and eating a very heavy meal late at night can worsen acidity or reflux for some people.
Stress and poor sleep can also worsen digestive symptoms, including discomfort, loose stools or constipation.
The surgeon advises against repeatedly taking acidity medicines or using antibiotics without medical guidance, because antibiotics can alter the gut microbiome.
Surgeon Dr Rajeev Reddy advised people to build gut-friendly habits and avoid repeatedly taking medicines without medical guidance.
He recommended a diet with fibre-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, nuts and seeds.
He said regular meals and enough water can support digestion, while skipping meals and eating a very heavy meal late at night may worsen acidity and reflux in some people.
Reddy said stress and poor sleep can worsen digestive symptoms, including abdominal discomfort, loose stools and constipation.
He said antibiotics can alter the normal gut microbiome and should be used carefully.
- Who
- Dr Rajeev Reddy, a consultant in gastrointestinal and minimally invasive surgery at Arete Hospitals.
- What
- He shared advice on gut health, including diet, lifestyle habits and caution against repeated self-medication.
- When
- The article was published on 2026-10-11.
- Where
- Arete Hospitals is mentioned; the location is not stated.
- Why
- To support gut health and warn that recurring digestive symptoms may need attention beyond temporary measures.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The gut does much more than digest food. It is closely connected with the immune system and is home to trillions of microorganisms that play a role in digestion and metabolism. The balance of these microorganisms can be influenced by what is eaten, physical activity, sleep, stress, and repeated use of certain medicines, particularly antibiotics.
Skipping meals through the day and eating a very heavy meal late at night can aggravate acidity and reflux in some people.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Expert
- Dr Rajeev Reddy
- Hospital
- Arete Hospitals
- Recommended foods
- Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, nuts and seeds
- Medicine caution
- Repeated acidity medicines or antibiotics without clear medical guidance or a prescription
- Publication date
- 2026-10-11
Sources
Related news
Planning and portioning freezer foods can make healthy meals quicker
Screen use and poor posture can put added strain on the neck
How prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics differ
Five simple exercises aim to support strength and balance after 50
Hip tightness is not uniquely linked to stress or past trauma
63-Year-Old Says Month of Daily Dead Hangs Improved Mobility and Strength
Dwayne Johnson uses a rice, blueberry and protein shake after training
Japan study warns children’s screen time may increase prolonged sitting
Keeping sweet potato skin adds fiber and other nutrients
More than 500 cyclists join Hyderabad arthritis awareness ride
Denise Austin suggests adding upper-body exercises to a walking routine
