Your gut: Hidden key to your health

By Dr Utkarsh Shah
Critical Care Medicine Specialist

Let me ask you something. Do you often feel bloated after meals? Do you feel tired even after sleeping well? Do you catch colds too often, or feel anxious without any clear reason?

Most people blame stress or a busy lifestyle. But the real answer may be sitting right inside your stomach in something called your gut microbiome.

---

What is gut microbiome?

Simply put, your gut is home to trillions of tiny bacteria, good ones and bad ones. Together, they form your gut microbiome. This is not just about digestion. These bacteria control your immunity, your mood, your weight, and even your energy levels.

---

How do you know if your gut is unhealthy?

Your gut does not stay silent when something is wrong. Watch out for these signs:

• Frequent bloating, gas, or acidity
• Loose motions or constipation that keeps coming back
• Feeling tired all the time, even after rest
• Falling sick frequently—colds, infections, allergies
• Skin problems like acne or dullness
• Feeling anxious, low, or unable to focus

If you have two or more of these regularly, your gut needs attention.

---

What can you do?

1. Go back to traditional food. The Indian Thali, dal, curd, sabzi, sambar contains natural compounds like curcumin and flavonoids that directly nourish beneficial gut bacteria. Your grandmother's cooking was medicine.

2. Eat curd every day. Fresh homemade curd, buttermilk, idli, dosa, and dhokla are natural probiotics; they put good bacteria back into your gut.

3. Eat more fibre. Fruits, vegetables, pulses, and whole grains feed the good bacteria and keep your gut lining strong.

4. Stop self-medicating with antibiotics. Antibiotics kill bad bacteria, but also the good ones. Never take them without a doctor's advice.

5. Sleep well. Your gut microbiome resets and repairs itself overnight. Poor sleep directly weakens your gut and your immunity.

---

Published in Lokmat Times, Nagpur Main, Page No. 12, Mar 19, 2026