Choosing lighter, fibre-rich versions of desi dishes can help improve digestion and overall gut health.
While traditional Indian food is rich in flavour and culture, some of our favourite dishes may be doing a number on our digestive system. Many desi foods are fried, spicy, or loaded with refined ingredients that can disturb the balance of gut bacteria and slow digestion. If you’re often facing bloating, acidity, or indigestion, your diet might be the reason.
Here are some desi foods that might be harming your gut health:
1. Deep-Fried Pakoras
Crispy but heavy, pakoras are often fried in reused oil that forms trans fats—known to trigger gut inflammation and slow digestion.
2. Maida-Based Parathas and Naans
Refined flour (maida) lacks fibre and can lead to constipation. Whole wheat is a better choice for supporting gut bacteria and smoother digestion.
3. Excessively Spicy Curries
Chilies and masalas, when used excessively, can irritate the gut lining—leading to heartburn, cramps, or even diarrhoea in sensitive individuals.
4. Pickles
While fermented, many pickles are extremely salty and oily. Overconsumption may disturb gut flora and cause bloating or water retention.
5. Improperly Stored Dosa/Idli Batter
When fermentation is unhygienic, harmful bacteria may grow in the batter, leading to digestive discomfort, especially for people with leaky gut or histamine issues.
6. Chole and Rajma
Though nutritious, improperly soaked or over-spiced legumes can cause gas, bloating, and discomfort. Soaking them well and using hing can help.
7. Samosas and Kachoris
Made with maida and deep-fried with rich fillings, these snacks are heavy on the stomach and low on fibre—leading to poor digestion and acidity.
8. Street Chaats
Street chaats often use contaminated water and spicy chutneys, which can cause infections, diarrhoea, or stomach irritation.
9. Heavy Indian Sweets
Packed with sugar and artificial additives, these sweets can feed bad gut bacteria and cause inflammation or yeast overgrowth.
