The gut-wrecking foods top doctors secretly avoid (and why you should too)

Why even the pros sometimes pass on their favorites

Most doctors and nutritionists know that cutting out all your favorite foods can backfire?it?s a surefire way to end up craving (and binging) those forbidden goodies even more. But there are a few things that gastroenterologists, the experts on all things gut-related, almost universally avoid?like, 99% of the time (sometimes even 100%?yes, they?re that serious).

To be clear: the occasional slice of processed meat or indulgence in a refined-carb treat isn’t going to shave years off your life. But according to these specialists, you should absolutely think twice before making them a regular part of your routine.

Editor?s note: This article is a translation by the French HuffPost editorial team, based on a piece originally published in 2023 by the American Huffington Post. It?s been translated and adapted to be easy for readers to understand.

Protein bars: Healthy by name, not by nature?

Think that having “protein” in the name automatically means a snack is healthy? Not quite. Some bars, especially those made from real fruit and nuts, are definitely better than most. Still, Dr. Harmony Allison, gastroenterologist at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, admits she never eats protein bars?especially not the ultra-processed kind. Why?

?I never eat protein bars. They tend to be ultra-processed and contain lots of additives whose usefulness is unknown. You can get the same amount of protein from a cup of milk, a serving of peanut butter, or a handful of nuts.?

Industrial protein bars, adds Dr. Allison, can lead to bloating and gas?not exactly what you want after a workout.

Red and processed meats: Sorry, steak and hot dog fans?

If you?re a fan of red meat, here comes the buzzkill: the gastroenterologists interviewed aren?t big on it?at all.

?I avoid red meat, especially steaks and hamburgers,? says Dr. Reezwana Chowdhury, gastroenterologist at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. ?Red and processed meats increase the risk of colon cancer and colon polyps. They?re high in saturated fats. If you do eat them, the amount matters: the risk of colon cancer is higher for people who eat more than 100g (about 3.5 ounces) per day.?

And no, switching to hot dogs and deli slices isn?t a loophole. Dr. Rabia De Latour, gastroenterologist and professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, avoids those too.

?Red and processed meats pose a higher risk of colorectal cancer,? she explains. ?Data shows a link between eating red or processed meats four or more times a week and a 20% increase in colon cancer risk.?

Fried foods and sugary drinks: Gut bomb ahead

What about that Friday-night treat? Fried foods might be bad news for more than just your waistline. Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum, a microbiology researcher, explains:

?Studies have shown that frying oil can negatively affect the gut microbiome, exacerbating atherosclerosis (the build-up of fat and other materials on artery walls).?

Over time, he says, this build-up could lead to a heart attack or stroke. Talk about a party pooper.

Regularly reaching for a soda or other sweetened drinks? Time to cut back.

?Even if they go down easily, these drinks are linked to chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease,? says Dr. Simon C. Matthews, a gastroenterologist at Johns Hopkins. ?They?re also associated with triggering GI symptoms like bloating, burping, and reflux?especially when it comes to carbonated or caffeinated drinks.?

Refined grains: Why whole wheat is worth it

Dr. Shilpa Grover, who heads the onco-gastroenterology program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, is clear: refined grains are not gut-friendly. She says:

?Studies assessing eating habits have clearly shown that a high intake of red and processed meat, as well as refined grains, is linked to a higher risk of diverticulitis [inflamed pockets in the digestive tract].?

The solution? Give whole wheat bread a chance. And if the idea of swearing off deli meats or white bread for good feels impossible, don?t panic: indulging once in a while won?t ruin your gut health?just keep it moderate.

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