Forget fancy diets. For good gut health, gastro doctor, Dr Pal recommends this humble food combo

When it comes to gut health issues like bloating or indigestion, most of us think of expensive probiotics or fancy diet plans. But what if there's an easy and comforting food waiting in the pantry of your kitchen that has good probiotics and will keep your gut healthy? Gastroenterologist, Dr Pal, in his latest video, shared that the secret lies in a humble and traditional meal which many Indians may have grown up eating.

In his latest video, Dr Pal talked about fermented rice with fish curry. He explained how this simple comfort food is a powerhouse for your gut health and overall health as well. Dr Pal described the combo as a “balanced meal” that naturally nourishes your gut. The fermented rice, as per the doctor, acts as a probiotic, feeding the large intestine with good bacteria that help digestion and boost immunity.

How is the rice prepared?

He explained that the rice is prepared by pouring water into cooked rice and letting it sit for around 20 to 24 hours. During this time, beneficial bacteria multiply, making the rice rich in natural probiotics. “When you eat it, those good bacteria travel to your large intestine,” he said, adding that this helps restore the balance between good and bad bacteria. According to him, habits like late-night snacking, eating buttery popcorn, or scrolling reels while eating can harm the gut by reducing good bacteria. “Our goal should be to increase the good ones,” he emphasised.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dr. Pal Manickam (@dr.pal.manickam)

As for the fish curry, Dr Pal called it a “super quality protein.” He reminded viewers that protein is essential for daily nutrition and suggested that an average person needs about one gram of protein per kilogram of body weight. Together, the fermented rice and fish curry make for a wholesome, gut-friendly, and protein-rich meal — one that proves real health often lies in the simplest of traditions.