Gut health issues surge among young health, doctors flag lifestyle risks

Digestive disorders, once considered problems of middle age, are increasingly affecting people in their twenties and thirties. Gastroenterologists across India report a steady rise in young adults presenting with chronic acidity, bloating, constipation and irritable bowel symptoms. In interviews with this correspondent, specialists from CK Birla Hospitals say modern lifestyles, marked by stress, irregular eating, excessive screen time and physical inactivity, are quietly reshaping gut health.

While heart disease linked to these habits is widely discussed, doctors warn that the digestive system is bearing an equally heavy burden, with long-term consequences if early symptoms are ignored.

YOUNG GUTS UNDER PRESSURE

“The gut is reacting to how we live today, and that is why we are seeing a sharp rise in digestive problems among young adults,” says Dr Anil Kumar Jangid, Senior Consultant, Gastroenterology, CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur. In his clinical practice, he notes a clear shift in patient profiles.

“People in their twenties and thirties are coming in with complaints like acidity, bloating, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and unexplained abdominal discomfort, conditions we earlier associated with older age,” Dr Jangid explains. According to him, the gut is often the first organ system to signal lifestyle imbalance.

STRESS, FOOD HABITS AND THE GUT–BRAIN AXIS

Chronic stress, doctors say, plays a central role in digestive dysfunction. “When stress becomes constant, it alters gut motility, increases acid production, and disturbs the balance of healthy gut bacteria,” Dr Jangid says.

Erratic eating patterns worsen the damage. “Skipping meals, eating late at night, and relying on processed and fast foods further strain the digestive system, which thrives on routine and balance,” he adds. Over time, this disrupts the gut–brain connection, leading to persistent symptoms rather than occasional discomfort.

SCREEN TIME, SEDENTARY LIFE AND SLOW DIGESTION

Excessive screen exposure has emerged as a modern risk factor. “Prolonged sitting, late-night scrolling, and poor sleep cycles slow digestion and interfere with the gut–brain connection,” Dr Jangid notes, warning that these habits can trigger long-term digestive disorders if unchecked.

The decline in physical activity is equally concerning. Outdoor sports and regular sun exposure have increasingly been replaced by video games and online entertainment, compounding metabolic stress on the digestive system.

BINGE EATING AND OBESITY COMPOUND THE PROBLEM

Highlighting broader lifestyle trends, Dr Shaswata Chatterjee, Gastroenterologist, CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI, points to changing social habits. “Young adults are rushing through the day. Increased work-related stress, increased consumption of fast food, and erratic sleeping cycles are common,” he says.

“Dyspepsia, acidity, reflux features and bloating are now commonplace,” Dr Chatterjee adds. While dining out and social gatherings are not new, he observes that “the binge eating associated with these is probably on the rise,” contributing to obesity and its downstream effects on liver and gut health.

A GENERATIONAL SHIFT IN DIGESTIVE HEALTH

Doctors agree that compared to previous generations, today’s young adults face a higher lifetime risk of chronic gut disorders. “When compared with our predecessors, today’s generation and tomorrow’s are more likely to see a rise in gut health issues,” Dr Chatterjee says.

The encouraging news, experts stress, is reversibility. “Regular meal timings, mindful eating, stress management, physical activity, and adequate sleep can significantly improve gut health,” Dr Jangid says, adding that early attention can prevent temporary symptoms from becoming lifelong conditions.