“Shweta, I feel like I’m pregnant by 8:00 PM every single night.”
I hear this constantly. Last week, a client came to me after years of “living with” chronic bloating that had started to dictate her social life.In more than 15 years of 8310K+ happy clients practice, I learned that gut problems are rarely about one “bad” food; they are complex communication systems. Gut issues refer to several digestive disorders, for instance, bloating or acidity, irregular bowel movements due to imbalance in gut flora or inept dietary patterns. These symptoms usually respond beneficially to definite nutrition changes.
What Your Gut Is Telling You
In my clinical experience, your body gives you specific clues long before a major problem arises. Here is how I help my clients decode their digestive health.
The White-Coated Tongue
If you wake up with a thick white film on your tongue, this indicates either our probably oral yeast overgrowth, or it may be an imbalance in the gut microbes. From what I have noticed in my practice, this is typically where it meets a case of a diet that may be too high on refined sugars.
- The Fix: Use a copper tongue scraper daily. Improve hydration and introduce traditional Indian probiotics like homemade kanji or chaas to crowd out bad bacteria.
Post-Meal Sleepiness
Is your lunch followed by a nap? Well, that isn’t just a food coma-it’s also sometimes an insulin spike or slow emptying of the stomach. I always tell my clients that food should give energy, not take it away.
- Fix: Include a good protein source with every meal. One can try doing a simple 10-minute “Vajrasana” pose or a leisurely walk after the meal for proper digestion.
Night-Time Bloating
This is the #1 complaint I see in Delhi. It usually signals that your Migrating Motor Complex (the gut’s “internal broom”) isn’t working because of constant snacking or late-night heavy meals.
- The Fix: Maintain a strict 3–4 hour gap between meals. Switch to an early dinner and limit high-FODMAP foods (like raw salads or heavy lentils) after sunset.
Morning Acidity
Waking up with a sour taste or burning chest? This is often overnight bile reflux.
- The Fix: Finish your last meal at least 3 hours before bed. If symptoms persist, try sleeping with your head slightly elevated. These symptoms are your body’s feedback system—not life sentences.
Expert Insights: Your Questions Answered
Can gut issues cause anxiety?
Yes, due to the gut-brain axis; nearly 90% of your serotonin (the “happy hormone”) is produced in your gut. I’ve seen clients’ anxiety levels significantly drop within 4–6 weeks of fixing their intestinal health. When the gut is inflamed, it sends distress signals to the brain. Incorporating magnesium-rich foods like seeds and soaked nuts, alongside probiotics, can stabilize this connection.
Can gut issues cause hair loss?
Yes, because there is an inflamed gut, which is not good in absorbing most micronutrients such as Zinc, B12, and Iron, which are quite essential for hair growth. Recently, I worked with a woman who spent thousands on her hair serums, and with that, the hair fall stopped completely once we healed the gut inflammation. From there onward, within 8 to 12 weeks, hair health was restored, as nutrient absorption was restored.
How to know if you have gut issues?
Check for chronic bloating, irregular bowel movements, or persistent skin flare-ups. I recommend my clients track their symptoms for 7 days. If “red flags” such as unexplained weight loss or blood in stool are present, the individual should consult a gastroenterologist as soon as possible. Stomach problems usually stem from lifestyle habits, which, for most, can be resolved together.
My 3-Step "Restore" Protocol
Based on my analysis of thousands of gut health cases, I use this framework to get results:
- Remove: Eliminate processed vegetable oils and “grazing” habits.
- Restore: Use traditional fermented foods like Amla or homemade pickles.
- Rebalance: Prioritize meal timing—don’t eat when you aren’t hungry.
Take the First Step to Relief
Fixing your gut imbalance isn’t about restriction; it’s about restoration. I have seen lives transformed in my Delhi clinic just by changing how and when people eat. Whether you are here in Delhi or joining me virtually, you don’t have to live with digestive discomfort.
Ready to fix your gut issues? To schedule a call with Ms. Shweta Nakra, dietitian, sign up now.
Medical Disclaimer: While nutrition plays a significant role, any acute or persistent pain requires medical intervention. Always consult your local health care practitioner for clinical diagnosis.
