Manjusha Das, MD

We’ve all done it—taken an over-the-counter pain reliever for a headache, popped an antacid after a heavy meal or ignored bloating because it “comes and goes.” But some of these everyday habits can quietly damage the digestive system over time.

The gut is more connected to overall health than most people realize. “The digestive system reflects what’s happening in the rest of the body,” said Wellstar Gastroenterologist  Dr. Manjusha Das. “When something feels off, it’s often your body’s first warning sign.” Scientists now know that the gut and brain communicate through a complex network of nerves and hormones—meaning stress, mood and even sleep can influence how well your digestive system works.

Here, we share key ways to protect your gut and overall digestive health, as well as insights from Dr. Das’ experience in treating and preventing gastrointestinal disease.

1. Can common medications harm your stomach and gut?

Over-the-counter doesn’t always mean risk-free. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin or Goody Powder can irritate the stomach lining and lead to ulcers or internal bleeding when taken too often or on an empty stomach.

“Most people have no idea that ibuprofen causes peptic ulcer disease,” said Dr. Das. “All of these things we call non-steroidal, they help my headache, they help my back pain, but they are extremely caustic to the intestinal lining,” she said. “Even small doses taken regularly can cause problems over time. If you rely on these medications often, talk with your provider about safer long-term options.”

2. What really builds a healthy gut?

A healthy gut depends more on daily habits than on any single capsule.

What really matters:

• Eat more fiber from vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
• Drink plenty of water each day.
• Get enough good sleep and find ways to manage stress.
• Limit processed foods, sugary drinks and alcohol.

Probiotics can play a role, but they’re not a cure-all. Persistent bloating, diarrhea or abdominal pain could signal  irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—conditions that require professional medical care. “If your symptoms last more than two weeks or keep returning, schedule a GI evaluation,” Dr. Das advised.

3. Can colon cancer screening wait?

Don’t wait to schedule your colorectal cancer screening, such as a colonoscopy. Colon cancer often grows quietly, which is why screening can save lives. Colon cancer is also showing up in younger patients, which is why national guidelines now recommend you start screening at age 45—and earlier for anyone with a family history or concerning symptoms. “A colonoscopy doesn’t just detect cancer—it prevents it,” Dr. Das said. “We remove pre-cancerous polyps before they become dangerous.”

4. How do you protect your liver before problems start?

Liver disease often develops silently, with no obvious symptoms until significant damage occurs. Dr. Das has seen a sharp increase in fatty liver disease —both alcohol-related and non-alcoholic—since the pandemic, often tied to higher stress, poor diet and inactivity.

The encouraging news: The liver can heal when damage is caught early.

To protect your liver:

• Drink alcohol in moderation—or skip it altogether.
• Stay active and maintain a healthy weight.
• Choose fresh, whole foods instead of processed ones.
• Ask your provider for a simple blood test to check your liver health, especially if you have diabetes, high cholesterol or obesity.

“Most liver conditions are preventable,” Dr. Das said. “Small lifestyle changes make a lasting difference.”

5. When should you listen to your gut—literally?

Your digestive system is a built-in feedback loop. Bloating, reflux or bowel changes are signals worth listening to—not ignoring or masking with over-the-counter remedies. Frequent self-treatment can hide underlying issues such as ulcers, celiac disease or inflammatory conditions that need targeted care. “When symptoms repeat, they’re trying to tell you something,” Dr. Das explained. “The earlier we investigate, the easier it is to treat.”

Prevention starts with awareness

Digestive health doesn’t require complicated cleanses or trendy supplements. What truly matters is awareness, balance and consistent preventive care—habits that support the gut, liver and entire body. “The best medicine is preventive medicine,” Dr. Das said. “When you know your risks and act early, you can avoid most GI complications.”

What can you do next?

• Schedule your screening colonoscopy if you’re 45 or older.
• Ask your primary care provider about your liver health.
• Find a Wellstar gastroenterologist near you for guidance that fits your needs.