Thread by @dr_ericberg

Why do so many people in India have bloated, protruding stomachs…
Even if they’re not overweight?

It’s not just genetics.

Here’s what’s really going on: 🧵

You’ve probably noticed this.

Many Indian men (and increasingly women) have pot bellies.

But it’s not just body fat. It’s a digestive issue that’s been ignored for far too long.

Behind that belly is often a mix of:
• Fatty liver
• Chronic bloating
• Indigestion
• SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)

Mainstream advice blames stress, aging, or lack of exercise. But that misses the root cause.

Let’s talk about the Indian diet…

India consumes the least amount of meat per capita in the world.

The high-fiber, low-protein diet leads to excess fermentation in the gut.

The result? More bloating, gas, and digestive strain.

In herbivores like goats and gorillas, a big belly is normal.

They ferment fiber in the gut to create nutrients.

But humans aren’t herbivores. We’re not built to handle that much fermentation.

Here’s what actually happens:

• Too much fiber (from grains and processed food)
• Low stomach acid
• Bacteria overgrowth in the small intestine

The result is bloating, burping, pain, and inflammation.
This is a clear sign of SIBO.

Now add in ultra-processed food, which is everywhere in India.

Cheap and convenient, but filled with:
• Glucose syrup (synthetic sugar)
• Refined starches
• Industrial seed oils

These wreck the gut lining and feed bad bacteria.

Many people make it worse by taking antacids every day.

This lowers stomach acid even more, weakening digestion.

Doctors often don’t find the real cause.
They treat symptoms, not diet, and most aren’t trained in nutrition.

So what can you actually do to fix the bloated belly?

Start with the basics:
• Eliminate foods that cause bloating
• Cut out refined carbs and processed snacks
• Reduce grains and excess fiber

Also, stop eating all day.
Frequent snacking puts stress on your digestion.

Try intermittent fasting to give your gut time to heal.

You don’t have to go full carnivore. But increasing animal protein helps.

Eggs, fish, and meat (if your beliefs allow) are all easier to digest than high-fiber foods.

Meat also contains glutamine, which helps heal the gut lining.

One powerful remedy is betaine hydrochloride.

It helps restore stomach acid.

Take it before meals unless you have an ulcer or gastritis. This improves digestion and prevents microbes from invading your small intestine.

Bloating isn’t just uncomfortable. It is a sign your gut is under stress.

Improve your diet and support digestion, and your belly will flatten naturally.

To learn more about digestion and how to improve it, watch this video:

A bit about me:

I’m the creator of Healthy Keto® and Intermittent Fasting protocols, helping over 100M people make healthier choices.

Follow me @dr_ericberg for more evidence-based insights to improve your health and longevity.

Thank you for reading!

What is one key takeaway you gained from this thread? Share it in the comments below.

If you have any health questions, feel free to ask. I read every comment and often use them to create future content that matters to you.