Professor Harald Peeters, a specialist in gastrointestinal and liver diseases at AZ Sint-Lucas in Ghent, shares his personal tips for living a healthier life.
His advice is clear, practical and rooted in years of medical experience.
Prioritize me-time
For Harald Peeters, health isn’t just physical – mental well-being is just as important.
Despite his 12-hour workdays, he makes time for himself. Balancing we-time with me-time is, in his eyes, crucial to maintaining overall well-being.
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Choose sports that calm your mind
He plays padel and golf, not for competition, but to unwind.
Harald Peeters emphasizes that these activities are just for him, and that having separate hobbies and social lives from your partner contributes to both personal health and a strong relationship.
Stress wreaks havoc on your digestive system
According to Harald Peeters, the gut is the barometer of the brain. When stress levels are high, your digestive system suffers.
He often sees patients with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome whose symptoms worsen under mental strain. Reducing stress is, therefore, key prevention.
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Don’t skip national screening programs
Peeters actively participates in all available preventive screenings and urges others to do the same.
Many cancers could be avoided through early detection, like the stool test for colon cancer – yet too many people skip it, especially men.
Get regular check-ups from your doctor
Keeping tabs on cholesterol and blood pressure is essential.
Harald Peeters stresses that your family doctor plays a vital role in prevention and can help you take action before issues become serious.
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Make health a shared responsibility
Having a healthy family dynamic, with space for individual interests, contributes to mental balance and happiness.
Harald Peeters believes this harmony at home supports long-term health just as much as diet and exercise.
Go for variety and fresh ingredients in your meals
Harald Peeters promotes a diet rich in fiber from fruits, vegetables, and dark bread.
Eating fresh, unprocessed foods supports digestion and provides the body with essential nutrients for long-term health.
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Eat vegetarian meals several times a week
Influenced by his family, Peeters eats vegetarian two to three times a week.
He cautions against frequent consumption of red and processed meats, as they are linked to polyps and colorectal cancer.
When he does eat meat, he opts for high quality, never supermarket-grade.
Be careful with alcohol
Around 30 % of his patients suffer from alcohol-related health problems, like liver cirrhosis.
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Harald Peeters warns that alcohol abuse can sneak up slowly — from a casual glass with dinner to excessive drinking.
He believes even current guidelines (14 drinks a week for men, 7 for women) are too lenient.
Eat one kiwi a day to support your digestion
Fruit plays a major role in gut health, and kiwis are packed with fiber, making them a favorite recommendation.
Fiber helps regulate bowel movements and prevents issues like bloating and constipation.
This article is based on information from gva.be.