Sri Lanka is seeing a growing number of intestinal and digestive problems among adolescents and young adults, with changing diets, stressful lifestyles and increased consumption of processed foods emerging as possible contributing factors, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist Dr. Supun Kulathunga has said.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Health Promotion Bureau, Dr. Kulathunga said the increasing preference for processed and artificial food products among young people could be affecting their digestive health.
He explained that the digestive system is closely connected to the brain through the gut-brain axis, meaning emotional conditions such as stress and anxiety can also influence intestinal function.
According to Dr. Kulathunga, the combination of psychological pressure, lifestyle changes and unhealthy eating patterns may contribute to conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
He noted that dietary habits among young people are changing, with convenience increasingly shaping food choices. As a result, foods such as vegetables, fruits, leafy greens and grains are being consumed less frequently, while processed alternatives are becoming more common.
Dr. Kulathunga urged young people to pay greater attention to their diets and make healthier food choices, stressing the importance of returning to more natural and nutritious foods to support intestinal health.
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