New Delhi | Dec 09, 2025

A well-known gastroenterologist, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, who holds over 25 years of experience and has trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford, recently explained how pairing certain everyday foods can help the body improve digestion, support the liver, and maintain overall energy levels. He shared these insights on Instagram on December 8, aiming to help people who often feel bloated, tired, or low on energy understand what they can change in their meals, why it matters, and how these combinations actually work inside the body.

According to Dr. Sethi, food is not just about individual ingredients. When you mix certain foods together, they work better, helping the body absorb more nutrients and reducing stress on both the gut and the liver. He said that many people do not realise how simple pairings can improve digestion, control blood sugar, support immunity, and help the body function more smoothly.

One of the combinations he highlighted was apples with peanut butter. He explained that apples provide fibre, which supports digestion and keeps the stomach light, while peanut butter adds healthy fats that help keep blood sugar steady. When eaten together, this simple snack keeps you full longer and prevents sudden hunger spikes, making it a helpful choice for people who often feel sluggish between meals.

Dr. Sethi also pointed out the powerful combination of turmeric and black pepper. Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory effects. However, the body absorbs curcumin very poorly on its own. When black pepper is added, the piperine in it increases curcumin absorption by up to 2000%. This makes the pairing much more effective for boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and supporting long-term liver health.

Another food pairing he recommended was tomatoes with olive oil. Tomatoes contain lycopene, which supports heart health and skin protection. Dr. Sethi explained that lycopene is better absorbed when eaten with healthy fats, and olive oil does this job perfectly. This simple combination allows the body to take in more antioxidants, making regular meals more nourishing without any extra effort.

He also suggested combining yoghurt with berries, because yoghurt provides probiotics that support good bacteria in the gut, while berries contain polyphenols that help these bacteria grow stronger. Together, they help improve digestion, reduce bloating, and support a balanced gut microbiome. Dr. Sethi said this pairing works well as a breakfast or snack, especially for people who often deal with digestive discomfort.

The final combination he recommended was spinach with lemon juice. Spinach contains iron, but the body struggles to absorb iron from plant sources. The Vitamin C in lemon juice helps the body absorb more of this iron, making the meal more effective in supporting energy levels and overall wellness. He noted that this simple pairing can help people who often feel weak or low on stamina.

Dr. Sethi shared these combinations to help people understand what they should add to their meals, why these choices matter, who can benefit, and how these ideas can be used in everyday cooking. His message was simple: a few small changes in daily eating habits can make the gut and liver work better, leading to more energy and better health.

He also reminded his audience that these tips are meant for general guidance and should not replace medical advice. Anyone dealing with ongoing health issues should speak to a doctor before making major changes to their diet.

This approach to food shows how small, smart choices can help the body function at its best — starting right from the plate.

 AIIMS-Trained Gastroenterologist Shares Simple Food Combinations That Boost Gut and Liver Health

If you’ve been feeling bloated, tired, or just not your best lately, this one’s for you. Dr. Saurabh Sethi — a gastroenterologist with 25 years of experience and training from AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford — recently shared how a few easy food pairings can make a real difference to your gut and liver health. And the best part? These combos are all made with everyday foods you probably already have at home.

He explained that what you pair on your plate matters as much as what you eat. When certain foods come together, the body absorbs more nutrients, your digestion works better, and your energy stays more stable through the day. No fancy diets or complicated plans — just smart, simple pairings.

Like apples with peanut butter. The fibre in apples keeps digestion smooth, while the healthy fats in peanut butter help control blood sugar. Together, they keep you full and fuelled for longer.

Or the classic turmeric and black pepper combo — black pepper helps your body absorb curcumin from turmeric way better, making it far more effective for reducing inflammation and supporting immunity.

He also recommends tomatoes with olive oil, because healthy fats make it easier for your body to take in lycopene, which is great for your heart and skin. And yoghurt with berries is another powerful pair — probiotics and polyphenols work together to support your gut bacteria.

Lastly, spinach with lemon juice helps boost iron absorption, giving your body that extra support for energy and strength.

Small habits, big impact. These simple combos can help your gut and liver stay healthier — one meal at a time.