Sign in

Fortis Delhi gastroenterologist shares 3 food combos to boost gut health: Dal with lemon, chia seeds with curd, and more

Updated on: Jan 4, 2026, 21:15:10 IST
By
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link
The human body cannot well-absorb iron from plant-based sources like daal on its own, states Dr Vatsya. (Unsplash)
The human body cannot well-absorb iron from plant-based sources like daal on its own, states Dr Vatsya. (Unsplash)

According to Dr Vatsya, taking certain foods in specific combinations allow the body to better absorb the nutrients and boost gut and overall health. 

The importance of gut health in ensuring the overall health of the body can hardly be overstated. And it all begins with the foods that we eat.

While different foods meet different nutritional requirements of the body, their effectiveness can often be increased by consuming them in the right combination.

Also Read | Cardiologist reveals ‘high blood pressure is not the problem, but a warning sign’; explains why drugs fail

Taking to Instagram on January 4, Dr Shubham Vatsya, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, Delhi, shared three such food combinations that can significantly boost gut health.

1. Lentils / Spinach with Lemon

Iron is an essential micronutrient for our body. However, plant-based iron is absorbed poorly, making it a significant cause of concern for vegetarians.

According to Dr Vatsya, squeezing some lemon over iron-rich foods like dal (lentils), chana, or saag (such as spinach) introduces vitamin C in the equation, which helps the body with iron absorption.

“The simple step will improve both your immunity and your energy,” noted the gastroenterologist.

2. Chia and Basil seeds with Curd

Probiotics in curd (yoghurt) and fibres in chia and basil seeds boost digestion and reduce constipation and bloating. The high fibre content also keeps us full for a longer period.

3. Turmeric and Black pepper

“Curcumin is an active compound in haldi (turmeric), which has very low absorption alone,” observed Dr Vatsya. “But black pepper increases its absorption by 2000 times, making it far more effective for gut healing and reducing inflammation.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

  • Debapriya Bhattacharya
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Debapriya Bhattacharya

    Debapriya Bhattacharya is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times. He started his career in 2022, working in newsrooms in beats like education, US news, trending stories, and entertainment. In his new role in the lifestyle desk, he seeks to deliver a balanced blend of research-driven reporting and creative storytelling from health and recipes to art and culture. Science, philosophy, food and pop culture are what pump his veins and help bring heart to his stories. Debapriya tries to see out subjects that will allow him and readers to explore new frontiers and improve the quality of life for all. The explorations can be both external and internal, as thoughts seek to be as chaotic as the greater universe. As a citizen of the world, Debapriya has been fascinated by the lives of people across the globe throughout time. His curiosity leads him to explore new linguistic and cultural landscapes to broaden his horizons and deepen his understanding of global narratives. Beyond the newsroom, Debapriya loves to participate in debate and theatre, spaces that he considers to be holy grounds for nuance and self-expression. A graduate from Ashutosh College, University of Calcutta, Debapriya completed his Master's degree from the same university in 2022. An ambiverted bibliophile, he loves his solitude as much as he adores stimulating conversations. And despite his reverence for tech, libraries continue to be his favourite place for research.Read More

Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.

Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.