As 2026 is knocking on the door, it’s high time to switch to a better future. No new year resolutions and no regrets for ditching it once again. This time, take a wiser approach. Start your good habits from today and see how the results turn out tomorrow. Starting with your gut health, the expert gastroenterologist has something to say.
Eight Daily Habits to Build Strong Gut Health Before 2026
It is your daily habits that will decide the future trajectory of your gut health. In a short Instagram post, Dr Saurabh Sethi shares what he has learned after 25 years as a doctor. His list of 8 wise habits will help you get better gut health in 2026.
1. Start Your Morning With Gratitude, Not Your Phone
Cortisol levels get naturally high in the morning. So, instead of scrolling screens, meditate to calm your nerves and muscles for better digestion.
2. Get 10 Minutes of Early Morning Sunlight
Morning sunlight will help you align with your circadian rhythm, boost vitamin D, and regulate melatonin production. This indirectly affects your gut health.
3. Walk for 10 Minutes After Every Meal
Walking for at least 10 minutes post-meal is necessary. This will stabilise your glucose surges and aid better digestion.
4. Add Fermented Foods to Your Diet Weekly
For good gut health, you need natural probiotics. So, introduce yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and kanji in your diet for better nutrient absorption.
5. Increase Herbs and Spices for Better Digestion
Include herbs and spices like turmeric, ginger, cumin, fennel, and black pepper in your diet. This again reduces inflammation and increases microbial diversity.
6. Follow a Simple 12-Hour Eating Window
12-hour eating and 12-hour fasting can give your gut enough time to rest and repair. Have a meal between 8 AM and 8 PM and let your gut rest in between to support detoxification.
7. Include Berries Regularly for Gut Support
Berries have antioxidants and probiotics that help reduce oxidative stress. Have them fresh regularly for better gut health.
8. Prioritise 7–8 Hours of Quality Sleep
Lastly, your gut microbes also regenerate as you sleep. So, sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours to increase your appetite and digestive power.
Lifestyle Mistakes That Quietly Damage Your Gut Health
Often, the small lifestyle mistakes that push us to a greater gut health issue. With constant mistreatment of your gut, you get constant problems with indigestion, inflammation, insulin resistance, diabetes, and more. The common mistakes that you need to avoid from today include;
- Inadequate Fiber Intake: Low fiber disrupts digestion and bowel movements, causing constipation and bloating.
- Irregular Meal Times: Skipping or eating at odd hours strains digestion and metabolism.
- Processed Foods: Chips and namkeen can increase inflammation and harm gut bacteria.
- Excess Screen Time: Late-night screen use disrupts sleep, affecting gut health and digestion.
If these ill habits get into your routine, it is high time to change your ways. Make your routine for 2026 afresh, with baby steps from today. Only then will your New Year’s resolution stand firm this time, leading you to better gut health in the upcoming years.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is not a substitute for a qualified medical opinion in any way. The methods and claims mentioned in this article should be considered as suggestions only; DNP India neither confirms nor denies them. Always consult a doctor before following any such suggestions/treatments/medications/diets.
