A consultant gastroenterologist has flagged an increasing prevalence of intestinal disorders among Sri Lankan adolescents and young adults, attributing the trend to dietary changes and psychological factors.
Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist Dr. Supun Kulathunga has raised concerns about a growing number of intestinal-related disorders affecting young people in Sri Lanka. Speaking at a Health Promotion Bureau media briefing, Dr. Kulathunga identified shifting dietary patterns as a significant contributing factor, with increased consumption of processed and artificial foods replacing traditional nutrition sources.
The specialist highlighted the interconnection between mental and digestive health through what is known as the gut-brain axis. According to his analysis, psychological stress and anxiety can directly influence intestinal function. When combined with lifestyle changes and poor eating habits, these factors create conditions conducive to the development of disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which Dr. Kulathunga noted is becoming increasingly prevalent among younger populations.
Dr. Kulathunga pointed to a marked departure from natural food sources, with many young people gravitating toward convenient processed options rather than vegetables, fruits, leafy greens and grains. He emphasized that addressing this dietary shift should be a priority in reversing the trend of intestinal health problems among Sri Lanka's youth, calling for renewed focus on healthy eating practices.
