The Worst Things You Can Do for Your Gastrointestinal Health

Written by Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG | Updated On 05-20-2025

The Worst Things You Can Do for Your Gastrointestinal Health

Your stomach system (GI system) does not only digest the food. It supports your immune system, it controls your hunger and even changes your mood. And here in Gastrodoxs, the reputable gut doctors of Houston, we can see how your digestive system can be ruined by your daily habits without your awareness.

We will give you this in this pleasant guide, which will tell you the worst things you can do your gut and how to keep off.

One of the gastroenterologists of Gastrodoxs in Houston, Dr. Bharat Pothuri said that such small lifestyle choices add up. Their negligence can lead to such issues as acid reflux or more serious GI issues.

This article covers:

• Eating a poor diet
• Skipping meals
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Too much sitting (inactive lifestyle)

Tips on how to make the most of this site will also be included as well as a short FAQ.

Section 1: Eating a Poor Diet

Some foods can hurt your gut. They cause inflammation, kill your intestinal flora and slow down the digestion process.

Why this hurts your gut:

• High sugar, low fibre: Processed snacks and soda are harmful to the healthy intestines.
• Artificial additives: Spiritual sweeteners and other chemicals can cause bloating or loose bowels.
• Too much fat: fatty food slows down the gastrointestinal system and leads to acid reflux.

Eats poorly, according to Dr. Pothuri, and it can be permanent. This would lead to IBS or even ulcers in the long run.

How to eat better:

• Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Chicken, fish or beans are lean proteins to choose.
• Take soda instead of water or herbal tea.
• Examine food labels to avoid the occurrence of the sugars and trans fats.

Quick fact: A fiber diet will keep the bowel movements regular and the intestinal flora healthier.

Section 2: Skipping Meals

Seemingly skipping meals may seem like a good idea in weight loss. But it can even upset your digestion rate.

What happens:

• More acid: An empty stomach secretes more acid, and this could lead to heartburn.
• Late overeating: This occurs when one fails to have a meal leading to over consuming of food.
• Deficiency of nutrients: You miss the chance to get all the vitamins and minerals that your body requires.

According to Dr. Pothuri, missing a meal to your GI system puts a strain on your system. It increases the risks of acid reflux, especially after they have eaten too much later.

How to avoid it:

• Plan your meals and snacks.
• Prepare healthy food in large quantities like nuts or fruits.
• Try to eat small and balanced meals about three-four times a day.

Section 3: Drinking Too Much Alcohol

Alcohol will irritate your digestive tract. When used regularly, excessive drinking will ruin your stomach and liver.

Risks:

• Gastritis: When you drink, it erodes the inner lining of your stomach.
• Leaky gut: Alcohol may allow the absorption of infectious particles in your blood.
• Pancreatitis: Alcohol is an unnecessary burden to your pancreas and disrupts digestion.

Dr. Pothuri claimed that social places indulge in alcohol easily. In moderation is gut health.

Tips for safer drinking:

• Take no more than one drink per day in women and no more than two drinks per day in men (CDC).
• Drink between alcohol.
• Take drinks with less alcohol like wine or beer.

Section 4: Living an Inactive Lifestyle

Excessive sitting at the workplace or in front of a TV set may harm your gut.

Why is it so bad to sit to your digestion:

• Slow movement: A slow movement is accompanied by a slow digestion and constipation.
• Poor blood circulation: Exercise helps your intestines to absorb nutrients.
• Weight gain: Increasing weight stretches the stomach, and increases the chances of acid reflux.

Dr. Pothuri says that ten-minute post-meal walks could also be used to enhance the digestion process and eliminate bloat.

How to move more:

• Walk after lunch or dinner.
• Use a standing desk if you can.
• Do minimal yoga exercises including twists to help in digestion.

Table: The least healthy habits, and their impact on Gut Health

Section 5: Other Gut and Mistake of the Other

Some of the other habits to be avoided include the following:

• Smoking: Increases acid and retards healing.
• Overexposure to analgesic drugs: NSAIDs may damage the lining of the stomach.
• Stress: Stress is harmful to your digestive system and gut bacteria.

Dr. Pothuri writes that a breathing exercise or mindfulness when addressing stress can be as significant as exercising and eating.

Section 6: Recommendations on Supplementing the Diet

It is never too late to make your gut healthy. Here's a quick checklist:

• Eat a balanced diet that contains fiber, protein and healthy fats.
• Eat on a regular basis.
• Move your body every day.
• Limit alcohol to that authorized by the CDC.
• Drink enough water.
• Relaxation by yoga or breathing.
• Sleep 7-9 hours a night.
• See your GI doctor frequently.

In Gastrodoxs, Dr. Pothuri explains, we give full support in terms of diet, fitness and stress reduction. It must be a whole body approach.

Helpful Resources:

• Mayo Clinic on GERD
• CDC: Alcohol and Your Health
• NIH on Fiber and Digestion

Section 7: When to See a GI Doctor

However, no matter how well the habits are there are some signs that it is time to see a specialist:

• Ongoing belly pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in your stool or vomit
• More than twice or thrice per week severe heartburn

Dr. Pothuri said that problem detection early should make a big difference in Houston busy clinics.

Conclusion

Your daily choices matter. Eat good, never skip a meal, drink too much, and sit throughout the day. Instead, embrace good diets, physical activities and address stress. When seeking professional care of the digestive system in Houston, one should remember about Gastrodoxs and Dr. Pothuri. Your gut will thank you!

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.