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Harvard gastroenterologist reveals foods to avoid

Dr Saurabh Sethi warns against seemingly healthy foods that can harm gut health.

July 20, 2025 at 01:54 PM

Harvard doctor who has studied the gut for over 10 years reveals the foods he avoids - and what to eat instead

A leading gut expert has revealed a surprising list of seemingly healthy foods that he avoids to protect his gut health and ward off inflammation.

Harvard gastroenterologist reveals foods to avoid for better gut health

Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at Harvard, warns that many foods marketed as healthy can actually harm gut health. He highlights common items like granola, fruit yoghurts, and sugar-free products, stating they may contain additives that lead to inflammation and digestive issues. For example, he describes cereal bars as disguised candy bars loaded with harmful ingredients. Instead, he suggests opting for whole foods such as nuts, fruit, and porridge to support gut health. He also cautions against pre-made salad dressings and instant noodles, recommending homemade options to avoid preservatives and unhealthy oils.

Key Takeaways

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Avoid ultra-processed foods for better gut health

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Granola and fruit yoghurts can contain harmful additives

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Cereal bars are often just disguised candy bars

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Whole foods like nuts and berries are healthier options

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Be cautious with sugar-free products and salad dressings

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New studies link additives to early puberty and health risks

"They're basically candy bars in disguise."

Dr Sethi describes cereal bars to illustrate their deceptive health claims.

"Sugar-free gum contains artificial sweeteners which can trigger gas, bloating and diarrhoea."

He warns about the digestive issues caused by common sugar substitutes found in sugar-free products.

"Even 'healthy' store-bought salad dressings are often full of inflammatory oils and added sugars."

Dr Sethi emphasizes the importance of making fresh dressings to avoid harmful ingredients.

"Instant noodles are high in preservatives, low in nutrition and terrible for gut microbes."

He advises against instant noodles due to their negative effects on gut health.

Dr Sethi's advice points to a growing trend of health consciousness where consumers mistakenly trust processed foods labeled as healthy. His warnings serve as a reminder that the food industry's marketing can be misleading. The implications of these findings may affect not just individual choices but public health discussions on nutrition, especially concerning children's diets.