AIIMS-Trained Gastroenterologist Lists 6 “Healthy Foods” That Are Secretly Harming Your Gut

Consuming healthy food is important. What we eat directly impacts our physical and mental well-being and supports beneficial bacteria. The internet is full of trends and fads promoting healthy foods. Be it flavoured yoghurt, protein bars or others, the list is endless. But now an AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist has revealed six foods that are said to be healthy but are secretly wrecking our gut. Keep reading to find out what these foods are. 

“Healthy Foods” That Might Be Ruining Your Gut Lining!

Be it protein bars, flavoured yoghurt, or healthy drinks, there are many food items and drinks that are said to be good for us. Health influencers on the internet keep promoting these foods, and people obsessed with health fads follow them blindly. But that’s not how it works. Being aware of healthy foods is great, but you should not consume them without knowing what’s actually in them. 

Our bodies are different. What works for someone might not work for you. This is why you have to be mindful of what you eat. Now, Dr Saurabh Sethi, an AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist, has listed six “healthy” foods on his official Instagram page that are secretly wrecking your gut. The list might just surprise you.

Also Read: Nutritionist Shares 5 Foods All Mothers Should Eat After 50 For Good Health & Immunity

These 6 Foods Are Not As Good As You Think

Dr Saurabh Sethi not only listed six foods that are bad for our gut but also suggested healthier alternatives in a recent post on Instagram. Here is the complete list:

1. Flavoured yoghurts: Surprising, right? Your favourite blueberry yoghurt is not helping you. The artificial flavours in it can spike blood sugar, feed bad bacteria and trigger bloating. Instead, go for plain yoghurt and add fruits.

2. Protein bars: Most protein bars in the market contain sugar alcohols like sorbitol and maltitol. These can trigger gas and bloating. Choose whole-food protein sources instead. Eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds are your best friends.

3. Flavoured plant-based milks: Most flavoured plant milks contain emulsifiers and added sugar. They can weaken the gut lining and can also trigger digestive issues. Opt for unsweetened almond or soy milk.

4. Granola and most breakfast cereals: Cereal boxes are promoted as ‘high-fibre breakfasts’. But that’s not true. These are often processed with sugar and refined oil, which can cause insulin spikes and gut inflammation. Choose simple oats + chia seeds + berries at home.

5. Zero-calorie drinks and diet sodas: Yes, your favourite diet soda is not good. They contain aspartame and sucralose, which are artificial sweeteners. These can alter gut microbes and increase cravings and bloating. You can opt for sparkling water with lemon and mint instead of these zero-cal drinks. 

6. Packaged salad dressings: Marketed as healthy, these dressings often contain seed oils and many additives. They can trigger gut inflammation. Instead, just use olive oil with lemon and spices for a better taste.

This list of “healthy” foods secretly harming your gut definitely comes as a surprise. Instead of relying on these options, we should choose other healthier food items that are free from artificial flavouring and other harmful additives. 

Also Read: Skip Teflon. Instead, Use These 6 Cookware Materials That Are Good For Gut Health

How many foods on this list were you consuming frequently? Do share with us!

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