Everyone Focuses on Diet… But an AIIMS Gastroenterologist Fixed His Gut First — And Lost 15 kg. Here’s How.

Imagine losing around 15 kg (≈30 lbs) and reversing fatty liver, without extreme diets or hours of cardio — simply by shifting focus to your gut health. That’s the story of Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), as well as at Harvard University and Stanford University. 

He attributes his transformation to three gut-focused lifestyle shifts rather than typical calorie counting or endless workouts. In this blog, we outline exactly what he did, why gut health matters for weight and liver function (backed by science), and how you can apply it too.

Why Gut Health Matters for Metabolism & Liver

It’s not just about eating less and exercising more. Your gut microbiome — the trillions of microorganisms living in your digestive system — plays a critical role in metabolism, fat storage, insulin sensitivity and liver health.

• A 2021 review states that gut microbiota and their metabolites may link to the host’s metabolic health and to conditions such as obesity and non-alcoholic fatty-liver disease.
• Another 2023 review found that altering gut microbiota composition may support stable weight loss and help prevent metabolic diseases including fatty liver.
• A 2022 meta-analysis found that weight loss is positively associated with increases in gut microbiota diversity and reduced intestinal permeability.

So when Dr Sethi says: “When you fix the gut, you fix the foundation — metabolism, immunity, even brain function.” — it has scientific backing: optimizing gut health is foundational for sustainable wellness.

The Three Gut-Health Shifts That Transformed Dr Sethi’s Journey

Here are the three major lifestyle shifts Dr Sethi implemented — with notes on how you can apply each too.

1. From Counting Calories → Counting Ingredients

Rather than obsessively tracking calories, Dr Sethi focused on what was inside each bite: hidden sugars, refined oils, processed “low-fat” foods.

How to apply:

• Read food labels: look beyond calories to see sugar content, seed-oil types, additives.
• Choose whole, minimally processed foods: fewer labels, more recognisable foods.
• Understand that two foods with identical calories may have vastly different effects on your gut microbiome and metabolic response.

2. From Cutting Carbs → Balancing Carbs With Fibre, Protein & Healthy Fats

Instead of demonising carbs, Dr Sethi paired his carb intake with fibre, protein and healthy fats to blunt sugar spikes, stabilise energy and support gut diversity.

How to apply:

• At each meal: include a complex-carb (legume, whole grain, millet) + lean protein + vegetables + healthy fat (nuts, seeds, olive oil).
• Avoid eating high-glycemic “white” carbs (e.g., white bread, polished rice) alone without fibre or protein.
• Increase fibre intake (see next point) to feed beneficial gut microbes.

3. From “Low-Fat Processed Foods” → Real, Fibre-Rich Whole Foods

He shifted away from processed foods marketed as “low-fat” (which often hide sugar/chemicals) and instead prioritised foods rich in fibre and minimally processed.

How to apply:

• Add fermented foods (yogurt, pickled vegetables, kefir) to nourish gut microbiome.
• Prioritise a variety of vegetables and whole plant foods (colour variety = phytonutrient variety).
• Aim for high-fibre foods: legumes, oats, millets, whole grains, pulses.
• Reduce intake of ultra-processed foods, sugary beverages, refined oils.

Real Results: What Changed

Thanks to these shifts, Dr Sethi achieved:

• Weight loss of ~15 kg (≈30 lbs) and reversal of fatty liver.
• Improved energy levels, better sleep, sharper mental clarity.

The outcomes illustrate that this was more than a cosmetic change — it was systemic health optimisation focussed on root causes (gut + metabolism + liver) rather than superficial fix.

Practical Starter Checklist (Your 7-Day “Gut Reset”)

Here’s a simple 7-day plan to begin integrating the above:

 

Fixing your gut isn’t a trend — it’s the foundation of long-term health. Dr. Sethi’s proven transformation shows that when you heal the gut, you heal everything from metabolism to liver function.

If you are struggling with poor digestion, bloating, IBS, acid reflux, fatty liver, low energy or stubborn weight, this is the right time to act.

At Kairali Ayurvedic Centre, our expert Ayurvedic doctors specialise in root-cause healing for gut disorders through personalised treatments like

✔ Ayurveda Doctor Consultation
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✔ Ayurvedic Medicines & Diet Guidance
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✔ Lifestyle & Stress Correction

For over 35+ years, Kairali has helped thousands restore their gut health naturally with classical Ayurveda.

👉 If you want a guided, personalised approach to heal your gut, book your Ayurvedic doctor consultation at Kairali Ayurvedic Centre.
Your journey to a healthier gut — and a healthier life — begins today.

About Kairali Ayurvedic Centre

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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any Ayurvedic treatment or making changes to your healthcare routine.

Sources: Hindustan Times
The Times of India
Nature
MDPI
PMC