Harvard expert explains: Doing it in the morning strengthens the intestines


Sethi's morning routine begins with a glass of water before coffee. This is said to replenish fluids lost during sleep and speed up digestion.

The doctor explained that exposure to sunlight within the first hour of waking resets the body clock and boosts serotonin levels, supporting digestion. Experts point out that the body clock, or circadian rhythm, regulates sleep, hormone secretions, and metabolism. Previous research has shown that exposure to sunlight in the morning can reduce the risk of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome by balancing cortisol levels.

Sethi, who makes it a habit to take two to three minutes of deep abdominal breathing before breakfast, explained that this calms the gut-brain axis by activating the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve sends signals from the gut to the brain, affecting digestion and mood.

Sethi prefers foods containing prebiotics, such as green bananas and oats, for breakfast. Prebiotics support the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. She also tries to balance blood sugar and support her gut microbiome by adding protein and fiber to her breakfast. This routine also includes yogurt with fruit, eggs with vegetables, and fermented drinks like kefir.

The doctor advised her to avoid using screens while eating. She explained that this helps the parasympathetic system, which supports digestion, function better. A short walk after breakfast also helps prevent post-meal bloating.

Dr. Sethi recommends that beginners start by choosing two or three habits and gradually add others. SMARTPHONE WARNING ON THE TOILET: In an article published last month, Sethi emphasized that sitting on the toilet for extended periods can increase the risk of hemorrhoids and recommended keeping the sitting time under five minutes. Interestingly, social media users noted that they were often on the toilet while watching the video. Research suggests that using a smartphone on the toilet can almost double the risk of hemorrhoids.
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