Bengaluru: The time Bengalureans spend in traffic is taking a toll not only on their mental health but also on their physical health. Gastroenterologists in the city say that long commutes and lifestyle changes trigger digestive problems and aggravate existing gastrointestinal conditions.From skipping breakfast to get a head start on morning traffic to postponing bowel movements because of unexpected delays on the way home, several commuting-related habits can disrupt digestive health. Prolonged sitting and inadequate water intake can also contribute to problems, doctors said.According to Dr CM Parameshwara, founder of Smiles Institute of Gastroenterology, 5-10% of his patients report lifestyle patterns linked to long commutes and irregular daily routines. “Traffic doesn’t directly cause gastrointestinal disease. Think about what a two-hour commute can do to your routine. You may postpone going to the toilet because you are stuck on the road, drink less water because you don’t know when you will find a washroom, miss your usual mealtime, and reach home too late to exercise,” he said.Dr Kiran S, additional director, gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital, Yeshwantpur, said, “Common problems associated with long commutes include constipation, bloating, heartburn, indigestion and irregular bowel movements. Inadequate water intake can make stools harder and more difficult to pass, while repeatedly postponing bowel movements may contribute to constipation over time. Prolonged sitting can also reduce overall physical activity, further increasing the risk of constipation in some people.”Dr Rishabh Agarwal, consultant–medical gastroenterologist, Prakriya Hospitals, said the stress associated with long commutes could also affect the gut-brain axis. “Being stuck in traffic for prolonged periods can cause chronic stress. When you are stressed, hormones such as cortisol increase in the body, and these can adversely affect the gut. This may manifest as bloating or altered bowel habits. This is largely due to what is known as the gut-brain axis, through which the gut responds to stress in the brain,” he explained.He added that exposure to air pollutants during long commutes could also affect gut health. Some pollutants have been associated with gastrointestinal problems and may be linked to certain cancers.
