New Delhi : Reinforcing the growing need to shift India’s healthcare narrative from treatment to prevention, the Illness to Wellness Foundation, in collaboration with leading health and nutrition experts, convened a special programme on “Food, Gut & Governance: The New Blueprint for a Healthy India” in New Delhi.
The session brought together eminent medical experts, nutritionists, chefs and public health practitioners to deliberate on the critical role of gut health in overall well-being, while emphasising the need to align nutrition, lifestyle and policy interventions to strengthen preventive healthcare in India.
The programme was organised in partnership with the Celiac Society of India, which also marked a milestone year, reflecting two decades of work in advancing awareness on gut-related conditions.
Welcoming the gathering, Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairperson, Advisory Council, Illness to Wellness Foundation, congratulated the Celiac Society of India on its 20-year journey and highlighted the importance of a multi-dimensional approach to health.
He said, “Health today cannot be viewed only through a clinical lens — it is shaped by our lifestyles, food systems and daily choices. The gut, often called the second brain, plays a central role in overall wellbeing, linking immunity, metabolism and mental health.
As modern science reinforces what our traditional knowledge has long emphasised — that good health begins with digestion — there is a clear need to shift from treatment-led approaches to prevention-driven healthcare. This requires greater awareness, informed choices and stronger alignment between nutrition, behaviour and policy,” he said.
Setting the context, Ms. Ishi Khosla, Clinical Nutritionist and Founder of the Celiac Society of India, reflected on the organisation’s journey and the evolving understanding of gut-related disorders.
“What began as a personal mission has grown into a national platform for awareness, education and advocacy. Celiac disease is a multi-system disorder with diverse and often non-specific symptoms, making diagnosis challenging. We are also seeing a rise in other gut-related sensitivities and disorders, which makes awareness, timely diagnosis and dietary management more important than ever,” she said.
She further emphasised that the concept of gut health is deeply rooted in both ancient wisdom and modern science, reinforcing the idea that digestion and nutrient absorption are central to overall health.
The expert panel explored the intersection of nutrition, lifestyle, science and public health, bringing diverse perspectives on improving gut health outcomes in India.
Dr. S.K. Sarin highlighted the growing prevalence of fatty liver disease, noting that both genetics and dietary habits play a significant role. He emphasised the importance of what we eat and when we eat as key determinants of metabolic health.
Dr. Anupam Sibal underscored the importance of early-life nutrition, stating that the first 1,000 days—from pregnancy to early childhood—are crucial in determining long-term health outcomes. He highlighted that nutritional patterns established early in life significantly influence the risk of diseases later on.
Chef Manisha Bhasin spoke about the evolving relationship between food and awareness, noting a shift towards more conscious and informed eating habits. She highlighted that people today are increasingly aware of what goes into their meals and are making more thoughtful food choices.
Dr. Prasoon Chatterjee elaborated on the gut microbiome, noting its deep connection with overall health, including mental and hormonal balance. He emphasised the importance of nurturing gut health through consistent and mindful dietary practices.
Adding to the discussion, experts collectively emphasised the importance of simple, actionable lifestyle changes, highlighting a practical “4 Gs” framework for better health:
• Gut – Prioritising digestive health as the foundation of overall wellbeing
• Girth – Maintaining a healthy body composition
• Grains – Ensuring balance and diversity in dietary intake
• Glucose – Monitoring and managing blood sugar levels
A Collective Call for Preventive Health
The session concluded with a strong consensus that improving gut health requires a holistic and integrated approach—combining awareness, science, nutrition, lifestyle practices and policy support.
Experts highlighted that while certain conditions require specific dietary management, the broader focus must remain on balanced nutrition, awareness and informed food choices for the larger population.
The event reinforced the need for continued collaboration between healthcare professionals, policymakers, nutrition experts and civil society to strengthen preventive healthcare frameworks in India.
