Expert warns against herbal myths and detox trends

Doha, Qatar: Gut health plays a vital role in overall wellbeing, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan when dietary patterns and meal timings...

Doha, Qatar: Gut health plays a vital role in overall wellbeing, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan when dietary patterns and meal timings change significantly. By offering practical advice on diet and lifestyle, expert insights aim to help people maintain healthy gut function during the holy month and throughout the year. 

A gastroenterology and hepatology specialist at Hamad Medical Corporation, Dr. Haidar Barjas told The Peninsula that many widely held beliefs about digestive health including the assumed safety of herbal medicines and the idea that gluten is harmful to everyone can be misleading, while simple, balanced lifestyle choices remain key to protecting digestive and liver health.

“Some of the biggest myths we encounter are surprisingly persistent,” said Dr. Barjas. “Many people think herbal medicines are always safe, but certain herbs can actually cause severe liver injury, sometimes requiring hospitalisation.”

Gluten, often viewed as harmful, is another common misconception. “Gluten is just a protein,” Dr. Barjas said. “If you don’t have celiac disease or a gluten allergy, it shouldn’t cause any gut problems.” Detox diets are also largely unnecessary, he adds. “You don’t need expensive cleanses or detox programs. Your liver and kidneys are naturally equipped to remove toxins every day.”

In Qatar, the most frequently observed digestive issues include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, and fatty liver disease. Diet plays a crucial role in these conditions.