Health experts are raising fresh concerns over everyday habits from eating street food to late-night dinners that may quietly harm the liver, gut and overall metabolism.
In a recent podcast appearance, Dr Shubham Vatsya, Senior Consultant in Gastroenterology at Fortis Hospital, warned that7 poor hygiene practices in popular street food can lead to serious infections such as Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E. According to the doctor, contaminated water and improper handwashing by vendors can allow viruses to spread easily through items like pani puri, chaat and momos. In vulnerable individuals, these infections may even progress to acute liver failure.
Medical professionals stress that untreated water, unsafe storage temperatures and cross-contamination significantly increase the risk of food-borne illnesses, including E.coli and salmonella. Experts advise choosing hygienic vendors, ensuring freshly prepared food, and washing hands before eating to reduce risk.
Meanwhile, another growing health concern is eating right before bedtime. Hyderabad-based doctor Dr Pooja Reddy recently highlighted how late-night meals may disrupt the body’s natural repair cycle. During deep sleep, the body releases growth hormone essential for fat burning, muscle repair and cellular recovery. However, eating close to bedtime spikes7 insulin levels, which can block this hormone release. Over time, this may contribute to weight gain, poor digestion and disturbed sleep.
Doctors recommend finishing dinner at least two to three hours before sleep and maintaining consistent meal timings. Simple precautions clean food choices and mindful eating schedules, can significantly lower health risks.
While indulgence is part of lifestyle, experts say awareness and moderation are key to protecting long-term liver health and metabolic balance.
