Harvard-trained gastroenterologist shares 10 morning habits that negatively affect your gut and energy

Start your day right! Harvard-trained gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi reveals 10 common morning habits that may wreck your gut and drain your energy. (Image: Pexels)

It is for good reason that health experts stress the importance of starting your mornings right — it sets the tone for the rest of the day. While healthy habits give you energy, make you more productive, and elevate your mood, hasty mornings do just the opposite.

Dr Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard-trained gastroenterologist, took to his Instagram account to share 10 unhealthy habits that may be wrecking your gut and sapping your energy.

Eating sugar-laden cereals: Breakfast should focus on fibre, protein, and sufficient carbs to keep you energised. Sugar-laden cereals, which Dr Sethi jokingly called “serial killers,” do the opposite. They cause blood sugar spikes and crashes that make you hungrier faster.

Checking your phone before getting out of bed: Many smartphone users check their phones within 15 minutes of waking up, which adversely affects the mind. It’s best to keep your phone away, start your day in a relaxed state, and finish your morning routine before picking it up.

Also Read: Harvard-trained AIIMS gastroenterologist recommends 5 gut-friendly breakfast foods for better digestion

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach: Having coffee on an empty stomach can lead to acidity and other digestive problems. It is advised to consume it after breakfast, and in moderation during the day.

Skipping hydration in the morning: Adults are recommended to drink eight glasses of water a day to avoid headaches, low blood pressure, and dizziness, among other issues. Drinking one or two glasses in the morning helps you stay on track. It also hydrates the skin, boosts energy, and aids digestion.

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A post shared by Saurabh Sethi MD MPH | Gastroenterologist (@doctor.sethi)

Rushing without time to poop: A rushed morning often means ignoring or delaying bowel movements, which leads to constipation and other digestive issues. It’s best to set morning rituals and give yourself enough time to relieve your system.

Scrolling on your phone while on the toilet: Using your phone on the toilet not only exposes you to germs but also significantly increases the risk of haemorrhoids (piles).

Skipping protein in your first meal: Proteins are essential for muscle growth, recovery, and sustained energy. Skipping them defeats the purpose of breakfast, as only carbs will cause blood sugar spikes and push you toward junk food when hunger strikes.

Ignoring morning sunlight exposure: Morning sunlight helps set the circadian rhythm. It’s also a great source of Vitamin D and an opportunity to fit in some exercise. You may be missing out on these benefits if you start your mornings indoors.

Also Read: Harvard-trained doctor reveals which gut health trends to add and skip

Hitting snooze repeatedly: Constantly hitting the snooze button makes you irritable and tires out your body and mind even before the day begins. Waking up as soon as your alarm goes off is a better practice.

Skipping the 4 Ps at breakfast: These include protein, probiotics, prebiotics, and polyphenols, all of which help you meet your nutritional needs for the day.

FAQs on daily habits that affect gut health:

1. What are some common unhealthy habits that can affect gut health?
Common unhealthy habits include eating sugar-laden cereals, skipping hydration, and drinking coffee on an empty stomach.

2. How does ignoring morning bowel movements affect gut health?
Ignoring or delaying bowel movements can lead to constipation and other digestive issues.

Also Read: How processed foods influence the gut microbiome: Doctor explains

3. Why is protein important for breakfast?
Protein is essential for muscle growth, recovery, and sustained energy. Skipping protein can lead to blood sugar spikes and increased hunger for junk food.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.