New Delhi — Dec 3, 2025

A leading gastroenterologist has stirred up a lively discussion online after explaining how everyday drinks—from water to coffee to fruit juice—can influence not just digestion but overall wellbeing. Dr Saurabh Sethi, trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford, shared nine things people often overlook about the beverages they consume every single day. His detailed Instagram post quickly drew attention, especially his statement that ice-cold water may temporarily slow digestion.

Dr Sethi explained that starting the day with warm or room-temperature water can support gut movement better than chilled water. He said cold drinks can slow things down in the digestive system for a short time, so choosing warmer water may be kinder to the gut in the long run. He encouraged people to pay attention to how their body reacts and make simple changes where possible.

He also warned about drinking too much coffee, particularly on an empty stomach. While coffee can wake you up, he said it can also trigger acid reflux, bowel urgency, or even anxiety if consumed in excess. Many people rely on it to start their day, but he believes it should be taken in moderation to avoid irritating the gut.

Green tea, on the other hand, got a glowing review. Dr Sethi called it underrated and pointed out that it is anti-inflammatory, helps metabolism, and may support a healthy balance of gut bacteria. He added that the L-theanine in green tea helps calm the mind, while the caffeine keeps the brain alert without overwhelming it.

Fruit juice didn’t make the cut. He urged people to eat whole fruits instead, explaining that juices often cause quick sugar spikes because they lack fibre. Whole fruits, he said, provide fibre and antioxidants that gut bacteria actually use for nourishment.

Kombucha, which many think of as a healthy choice, came with a warning. Some brands are loaded with sugar, he said, and may do more harm than good. He suggested choosing options with less than 5 grams of sugar per serving or switching to plain kefir or yoghurt-based drinks.

Herbal teas, he noted, act almost like gentle medicine. Ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and fennel help reduce bloating and soothe inflammation while supporting the gut lining. These beverages, he said, can be a comforting and beneficial part of a daily routine.

Chia and basil seed drinks also earned praise. These seeds absorb water and form a gel that feeds good bacteria in the gut and supports regular bowel movements. They offer a simple way to add fibre and hydration at the same time.

Alcohol, however, received the harshest verdict. Dr Sethi said even small amounts can disturb gut bacteria, weaken the gut lining, and affect sleep. While he didn’t demand complete abstinence, he suggested limiting intake and staying well-hydrated if one chooses to drink.

He ended by highlighting leafy herbs—mint, parsley, basil, cilantro—as powerful gut supporters. Their natural compounds help digestion and nourish healthy bacteria. He recommended eating them raw whenever possible and using them generously instead of as decoration.

Dr Sethi’s message was simple: small, everyday choices can make a big difference to gut health. His advice encourages people to look beyond food and pay attention to what they drink as well.

Note: This content is for information only and not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor for concerns about your health.

 Harvard-Trained Gut Expert Says Cold Water May Slow Digestion - Here’s What He Wants You to Know About Your Daily Drinks

A Harvard-trained gastroenterologist, Dr Saurabh Sethi, has sparked a big conversation online after sharing simple but eye-opening facts about everyday drinks we all consume without much thought. In his viral post, he explained how simple choices—like the temperature of your water or whether you drink juice instead of eating fruit—can shape your digestion and overall wellbeing.

He said that warm or room-temperature water is easier on your gut than ice-cold water, which can temporarily slow digestion. A small switch in your morning routine, he suggested, may help your gut work more smoothly. Coffee lovers got a gentle warning too. While coffee wakes you up, having too much, especially on an empty stomach, can trigger acidity, urgency, or anxiety.

Green tea, he shared, is one of the most underrated drinks. It supports metabolism, reduces inflammation, and keeps the mind calm while still giving a mild energy boost. On the other hand, fruit juice didn’t get much praise. Juices cause quick sugar spikes because they lack fibre, whereas whole fruits provide nutrients that your gut bacteria actually need.

He also pointed out that not all kombucha is healthy. Some brands are loaded with sugar, so he advised choosing low-sugar versions or switching to plain kefir or yoghurt drinks. Herbal teas—like ginger, turmeric, and fennel—earned appreciation for helping with bloating and soothing the gut.

Dr Sethi also recommended drinks with chia or basil seeds, since they form a gel that supports digestion and feeds good bacteria. Alcohol, however, got a firm “go easy,” as even small amounts can harm gut health and disrupt sleep. He ended by reminding people that simple leafy herbs like mint, basil, and cilantro are powerful for digestion when eaten fresh.