Top News

‘The average Indian eats at the wrong time’: Bengaluru doctor reveals 6 daily habits secretly damaging gut health
ET Online | May 20, 2026 9:19 PM CST

Synopsis

A Bengaluru-based colorectal surgeon highlights common unhealthy habits among Indians, including eating and sleeping at irregular times, and consuming processed foods and insufficient water. Dr. Parameshwara CM emphasizes that these practices negatively impact gut health, leading to issues like constipation, acidity, and IBS.

Maintaining good health is not about doing one thing correctly or consistently, but its about making small and healthy choices consistently throughout the day. According to Dr Parameshwara CM, a Bengaluru-based colorectal surgeon and gut specialist with more than 25 years of experience, many Indians continue to follow unhealthy daily habits without realising their long-term impact.

What the Doctor Said

In an Instagram post, Dr Parameshwara remarked, “The average Indian eats at the wrong time, sleeps at the wrong time, drinks everything but water, and calls it a normal day.”

He explained that this is a pattern he has repeatedly noticed across different age groups.




Six Mistakes People Should Avoid

To encourage healthier living, the doctor also shared six common lifestyle mistakes that people should try to avoid in their daily routines.

1. Eating at midnight

According to Dr Parameshwara, “Food eaten after 9 pm doesn't digest; it ferments.” This results in gas , bloating and acid reflux every night”.

2. Skipping meals and eating at random hours

Dr Parameshwara said this “confusion causes cramps, bloating, and IBS.

3. Eating processed and packaged food every day

Ultra-processed and packaged foods like biscuits, chips, and instant noodles have become a regular part of many people’s everyday diets. However, according to Dr Parameshwara CM, these foods offer little to no nutritional benefit and contain high amounts of preservatives. “Your good gut bacteria simply cannot survive this,” he said.

4. Not enough water

According to Dr Parameshwara, “Chronic dehydration is the number one reason Indians get constipation, fissures, and piles.”

5. Zero fibre

According to Dr Parameshwara CM, many Indian diets commonly rely on foods such as maida, white rice, and meals lacking salads, all of which contain very little fibre. He warned, “Without fibre, waste builds up, hardens and causes real damage,” cautioned the surgeon.

6. Irregular sleep

Getting proper sleep is essential for maintaining overall health and should not be neglected. Highlighting its impact on gut health, Dr Parameshwara CM said, “Poor sleep inflames the gut lining, disrupts bowel rhythm, and is a direct trigger for acidity and IBS,” noted Dr Parameshwara.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated post. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com. Reader discretion is advised.


READ NEXT
Cancel OK