A Harvard-trained gut doctor has revealed the eight everyday habits that could be wrecking the gut – from mealtime scrolling to sweet treats.
Over a whopping 61% of families scroll through their phones while at the dinner table, according to research.
And 34% of those are children.
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Watching television, or now looking at social media, is a staple for many people when it comes to mealtimes.
But a few moments of entertainment to accompany the fork could be doing much more damage than good.
And it’s not the only habit that might be ruining your gut, as noted in a clip racking up over 72,000 views.
“Distracted eating makes it harder to notice fullness cues,” Dr Saruabh Sethi, who boasts 1.6m followers, told Need To Know.
“Studies show it can lead to eating more, especially later in the day.
“Also, intermittent fasting is a structured eating pattern – skipping meals isn’t.
“If you go without eating due to stress, or being rushed off your feet, your gut will suffer.”
The aforementioned statistics were released by AXA Health in 2025, and Compare and Recycle in April, respectively.
Another survey, of more than 6,000 Brits – released this summer and commissioned by Virgin Media O2 – found that we might spend up to five years of our lives scrolling on our phones.
And Dr Sethi, 44, also has bad news for those craving a sweet treat after dinner.
The California-based medic said: “A little dessert isn’t the problem.
“But making high-sugar foods an automatic part of every meal can push added sugar intake up fast.
“Diets high in added sugar aren’t doing your metabolic health or gut microbiome any favours.”
Drinking water is key every single day; though guzzling it down in one sitting won’t do your body any good.
Instead, Dr Sethi says that your gut and kidneys will thank you later if the clear liquid is spread throughout the day.
Another bad habit? Snacking.
He said: “Your stomach and small intestine have a fasting clean-up pattern called the migrating motor complex.
“Eating interrupts it.
“So constant grazing gives your gut less time in that fasting state.
“Also, don’t eat right before bedtime.
“Late meals can worsen nighttime reflux, especially if you’re prone to heartburn.
“Give yourself roughly two to three hours between your last meal and lying down.”
Dr Sethi also stressed the importance of not ignoring the urge to go to the loo – and issued a warning for those taking ibuprofen.
He added: “Popping ibuprofen for every minor ache means that the protective lining of your stomach and small intestine will be damaged.
“Sometimes, the symptoms won’t be obvious either.
“Regularly holding in a bowel movement can contribute to constipation and make normal bowel habits harder to maintain over time, too.”
Dr Sethi says most of his patients do at least four of these habits daily.
He previously revealed which cheap kitchen cupboard staples help to slow down ageing.
He noted extra virgin olive oil, salmon, berries, nuts and eggs, as well as vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.
And the number one item: coffee.
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