Chronic inflammation is often blamed on stress, poor sleep, or a bad diet — but an NHS surgeon says the real cause may be much deeper. According to Dr Karan Rajan, many people struggle with ongoing inflammation because their gut microbiome is out of balance. When beneficial bacteria don’t receive enough fibre, polyphenols, or antioxidant-rich foods, they lose stability and can trigger inflammatory reactions throughout the body.
In a recent discussion featured in Dr Darshan Shah’s Extend series, Dr Rajan explained that the gut plays a central role in regulating immune, liver, and hormone pathways. When the microbiome is deprived of nutrients that support healthy bacteria, harmful species begin to take over. These bacteria often thrive on sugars and certain meats, creating compounds that fuel inflammation.
Dr Rajan emphasised that not feeding good bacteria is one of the biggest drivers of this problem. Without enough prebiotic and antioxidant-rich foods, the microbiome becomes unstable and activates inflammation. He noted that essential foods like fibre, colourful fruits, vegetables, and polyphenol-rich sources help reduce internal inflammation far beyond the digestive system.
He warned that when harmful bacteria dominate, they ferment food in ways that produce inflammatory byproducts. This imbalance disrupts the gut-liver and gut-immune axes, increasing the body’s vulnerability to fatigue, bloating, sluggishness, and chronic inflammatory symptoms. Strengthening the gut through nutrient-dense foods, he said, is key to improving long-term health.
Disclaimer: This story is based on publicly available social media content. It should not replace medical advice from qualified healthcare professionals.
