The gut reacts in just a few hours, not a few years
Weekend free meals seem harmless but in fact create a significant biological shock to the body. According to Dr. Arpit Bansal, an oncologist, gastroenterology and longevity expert, India, in just 24 - 48 hours after consuming a lot of processed foods, alcohol, beer, sugar and bad fats, the gut microbiome has changed significantly.
He said: "In clinical practice, I see that the intestines react for a few hours, not a few years. This change happens quickly but can also recover if adjusted in time.
One of the first impacts is increased intestinal permeability, also known as "gut leakage". At that time, toxins can enter the blood, triggering a silent inflammatory reaction, a underlying factor of many metabolic diseases.
Microbial imbalance and brain effects
Not only stopping at inflammation, excessive eating also disrupts the gut microbiome. A low-fiber diet reduces beneficial bacteria, while harmful bacteria grow strongly. This reduces the production of short-chain fatty acids, an important compound that helps nourish intestinal cells and fight inflammation.
Notably, the digestive system is closely related to the brain through the intestines - brain axis. When the microbiome is disrupted, neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine are also affected. As a result, many people feel tired, irritable, have trouble sleeping and craving food again after days of overeating.
However, the positive point is that the digestive system has the ability to recover quickly. Returning to a high-fiber diet, drinking enough water and maintaining a reasonable circadian rhythm can help rebalance the microbiome in 24-72 hours.
Experts emphasize that gut health not only depends on one meal but also on repeated habits. In which, 48 hours of uncontrolled eating may be enough to create significant changes for the body.
