Harvard-trained gastroenterologist shares morning habits for gut health

Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist and Harvard-trained physician with over 1.3 million Instagram followers, recently shared eight morning habits to improve gut health. His routine begins with drinking water before coffee to rehydrate and stimulate digestion. He emphasizes the importance of exposure to natural sunlight within the first hour of waking to regulate the circadian rhythm and serotonin levels. This process is intended to improve cortisol regulation, as high stress levels are linked to inflammation and irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, Dr. Sethi recommends two to three minutes of deep belly breathing before breakfast. He notes that this practice activates the vagus nerve, which helps calm the gut-brain axis. The advice is presented as a professional recommendation for general health optimization.