Therefore, it is essential to know whether what you are eating is truly healthy or not, and what swaps you can make to better protect your health.
In a post shared on November 23, Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist with 25 years of experience and trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford University, listed six foods that people think are healthy but are secretly harming their gut health. He warned against consuming them and suggested better alternatives to replace them. Some of the foods in his list are protein bars, flavoured yoghurts, granola, and more.
6 'healthy' foods ruining your gut health
Sharing the list of foods, Dr Sethi wrote in the caption, "I am a board-certified gastroenterologist and these 6 'healthy' foods are secretly wrecking your gut. Have you ever noticed digestive issues after eating foods you thought were healthy?"
1. Flavoured yoghurts
According to the gastroenterologist Dr Sethi, flavoured yoghurts are packed with added sugar and artificial flavours, which spike blood sugar levels, feed bad bacteria, and trigger bloating.
Swap for: Plain yoghurt and fresh fruit.
2. Protein bars
Most protein bars contain sugar, alcohols (sorbitol and maltitol) and gums, which can lead to gas and bloating, per the gastroenterologist.
Swap for: Whole-food protein sources, such as eggs, tofu, and nuts.
3. Flavoured plant-based milks
The gastroenterologist warned against consuming flavoured plant-based milks if you want to preserve your gut health, as many contain emulsifiers and added sugar, which can weaken the gut lining.
Swap for: Unsweetened almond or soy milk.
4. Granola
Granola, or for that matter, most breakfast cereals are marketed as 'high-fibre', but according to the gastroenterologist, they are loaded with sugar and refined oils, which leads to insulin spikes and gut inflammation.
Swap for: Oats, chia seeds, and berries.
5. Zero-calorie drinks and diet sodas
Dr Sethi cautioned against consuming zero-calorie drinks and diet sodas as they contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose that can alter gut microbes, leading to cravings and bloating.
Swap for: Sparkling water with lemon or mint.
6. Packaged salad dressings
Lastly, avoid packaged salad dressings, as they often contain seed oils and additives that can fuel gut inflammation.
Swap for: Olive oil, lemon, and spices.