Youngsters are creating group chats to improve their gut health, discussing everything from probiotics and poop to polycystic ovary syndrome
Across India, thousands of young adults are creating group chats that help them and others improve their gut health and take it to another level. From probiotics to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), panic attacks, and period syncing— it’s not a meme-fest but a real peer driven initiative in real time.
Let’s get into the nitty gritty of plates, diets, gut health, and emojis, all of which get discussed in a group chat called ‘The Gut Feeling,’ unfiltered, anonymous, and unapologetic.
Ctrl+Alt+Heal
The DIY wellness groups are emerging as low cost, high-support alternatives that don’t make you sit in anxiety inducing rooms. “There’s a weird relief in talking about your poop with strangers,” laughs Anika Sinha (26) a marketing executive. “No one in my circle wanted to hear about gas or gut bacteria. But the group? They get it. We swap notes on probiotics, home remedies, and gut-friendly cafes. It’s like therapy, but for your stomach.”
There are no doctors in the group, no miracle cures — just honest, judgment-free chats, tried and tested recipes, and juice shots. Groups often share traditional recipes with a wellness twist — ragi dosas with flaxseeds, jeera-ajwain water, or banana stem juice. Everyone’s testing and reviewing them live.
According to a 2024 report by the India Gut Health Collective, nearly 60% of young adults aged 20–35 experience some form of digestive distress weekly — bloating, constipation, acid reflux, or food intolerances. The same report found that
72% hadn’t consulted a doctor, citing high costs or embarrassment. “People don’t feel judged,” says group moderator Rahul Mehta. “You can say, ‘I haven’t gone in three days,’ and someone will reply with a soaked-chia-and-ghee shot tip within seconds.”
Text, Talk, Thrive
Why the sudden obsession with gut health? Because your stomach isn’t just where your food ends up —it’s where your mood begins. For many, these groups are the first time they are hearing about such a community that’s willing to talk about health issues in a way that feels human.
“Most of us are tired of being gaslighted by wellness influencers and doctors, I’ve been there and done that — I’d rather go and follow advice from real people who have solutions,’’ says Richelle Fernandes, a finance student. The topics within the group can go from how to find a therapist, how to make green juice, to what’s the best probiotic food to help with an upset tummy. While the group chat is for every ailment, some focus on syncing wellness with lifestyle.
“I had no idea my energy levels were tied to my cycle untilI I joined a group through a common friend called Cycle Syncers,” says Priya Nair (24) from Chennai. “Now I track ovulation, plan workouts around it, and even tweak my diet.”
Real, Raw, Relatable
Of course, not all advice on these chats is the gospel truth, while these WhatsApp groups are empathic and offer a sense of community and understanding. Group admins are trying to spread the word along, some now share verified links to their common friends to pass it on to those who might find it helpful, or invite experts for casual AMA (ask me anything) voice chats.
So, what does healing look like in this group?
For Anika Prakash it’s saying, “I poop every morning now without panicking. That’s growth.” The biggest win, according to the users, is the ability to be honest and true to themself. You don’t need to say, ‘I’m fine’ when you’re having a rough day. Sometimes, healing doesn’t come from a clinic or a pill but from friends helping another friend out.”
