Skipping meals on weekdays and bingeing on weekends? Gastroenterologist explains how this habit harms your gut
In an interview with Dr Anukalp Prakash, Director of Gastroenterology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, elaborated how this common pattern of weekend overindulgence followed by weekday neglect is bad for your gut health, triggering gastrointestinal issues.
He noted, 'As a gastroenterologist, I commonly encounter individuals who are not aware that most of their symptoms, bloating, acidity, constipation or diarrhoea, or even long-term digestive problems, result from unstable eating patterns. The weekend binge, weekday crash cycle is a sustainable lifestyle only in the short term, yet it puts undue stress on the gut and deranges its function in the long run. The secret to long-term digestive well-being isn't deprivation or excess, but balance.'
The gastroenterologist further shared a guide, covering how the common weekday and weekend eating patterns look and what the resultant consequences are on your gut:
The gut is not prepared to manage feast-or-famine patterns. Continuously oscillating between overeating and undernourishment can lead to:
1. Induce functional gastrointestinal disorders such as dyspepsia and IBS.
2. Boosts the risk of acid reflux, constipation, and diarrhoea.
3. Weaken gut immunity, with increased susceptibility to infections.
4. Contribute to metabolic conditions such as insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
5. Affect mental health through the gut-brain axis—bad gut health can exacerbate anxiety, fatigue, and brain fog.
1. Maintain a regular meal timing:
ALSO READ: IBS vs IBD: Gastroenterologist shares the main differences between the two common gut conditions
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
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