Good gut health is key to feeling good overall. But with so many health trends and advice online, it’s hard to know what really works. Harvard-trained gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi breaks down popular gut health habits in a recent video. He tells us which habits you should add to your routine and which ones to skip for better digestion and overall gut wellness.
Habits to Skip For Better Gut Health
Dr. Sethi warns against some popular trends that can harm your gut. One major no is the carnivore diet. This diet includes only animal products and leaves out all plants. Dr. Sethi says it lacks fiber and important nutrients that plants provide, which are crucial for a healthy gut.
Skipping breakfast randomly is another habit to avoid. Inconsistent eating times can disrupt your gut’s natural rhythm and affect blood sugar levels, which might hurt digestion.
There’s also a common myth that bananas cause mucus. Dr. Sethi says this is not true. Bananas are actually good for your gut and don’t increase mucus production.
Lastly, sticking only to “caveman” or paleolithic foods is not necessary. A varied diet that includes different foods offers better nutrients for your gut than limiting yourself to ancient eating styles.
Habits To Add For A Healthy Gut
On the positive side, Dr. Sethi recommends some simple habits that support digestion. Drinking coffee in moderation is good for your gut because it contains antioxidants and helps gut movement.
Avoiding late-night meals is also helpful. Eating earlier aligns with your body’s natural clock, aids digestion, and may prevent acid reflux.
Including fermented foods like kefir and kimchi is a great way to add good bacteria to your gut. These probiotics help keep your gut microbiome balanced and healthy.
Combining plant-based iron sources with vitamin C-rich foods, such as citrus fruits, improves iron absorption and supports gut health.
Taking a daily walk is another easy habit that helps food move smoothly through your digestive system and keeps bowel movements regular.
Finally, Dr. Sethi points out that calm, stress-free mornings can improve gut health. The gut and brain are connected, so lowering morning stress helps your digestion stay smooth and comfortable.
| Habit | Add or Skip | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Carnivore Diet | Skip | Lacks fiber/nutrients needed for gut health |
| Randomly Skipping Breakfast | Skip | Disrupts gut rhythm and eating consistency |
| Coffee in Moderation | Add | Beneficial, contains antioxidants |
| Avoiding Late Night Meals | Add | Supports digestion and matches body’s circadian rhythm |
| Bananas Cause Mucus | Skip | No evidence; bananas are gut-friendly |
| Fermented Foods (Kefir, Kimchi) | Add | Boosts probiotic diversity and gut microbes |
| Iron via Plant + Citrus Combo | Add | Vitamin C improves plant-based iron absorption |
| Only Eating “Caveman” Foods | Skip | Balanced, modern diet provides better nutrition |
| Daily Walk for Gut Motility | Add | Promotes digestion and regular bowel movements |
| Calm Mornings = Calmer Gut | Add | Reduces stress; helps gut-brain connection |
Dr. Sethi’s advice shows that gut health isn’t about complicated diets or strict rules. It’s about simple, science-backed habits like eating a varied diet, keeping consistent meal times, staying active, and managing stress.
If you want better digestion and a healthier gut, focus on adding these positive habits and skip the ones that could harm your system. Watch Dr. Sethi’s full video for more gut-friendly tips you can trust.
