Harvard- and Stanford-trained gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi’s latest post warns of the hidden dangers of everyday toxins that may be silently damaging our health. While one might not immediately associate artificial sweeteners and antibacterial soap with toxins, they may do more harm to health than good.
The popular expert, who offers interesting and informative insights into gut and liver health, discusses the risks associated with seemingly harmless household items, often touted as safer alternatives, in a detailed Instagram post.
The gut expert cautions that while artificial sweeteners are considered a safer alternative to processed sugar, they may mess with your gut bacteria and blood sugar. Similarly, antibacterial soaps can end up killing even healthy bacteria and damage the skin barrier.
Here are 8 everyday toxins that Dr Sethi wants you to eliminate from your home immediately, to stay healthy and disease-free.
Scratched or chipped nonstick pans (Teflon/PTFE)
The nonstick pans are safe to use if undamaged and used on low-medium flame as per the USA FDA. However, once the coating comes off, it could be troublesome. Dr Sethi warns that “if it’s damaged it’s done.” Teflon, a synthetic chemical made up of carbon and fluorine atoms, can release microplastics and toxic fumes, especially at high heat. The expert suggests switching to ceramic, cast iron, or stainless steel
Artificial sweeteners
The next item on the list of Dr Sethi is artificial sweetener, especially aspartame and sucralose. They mess with your gut bacteria, blood sugar, and appetite signals. They can also lead to glucose intolerance and microbiome shift. A Nature Medicine study says erythritol, a common type of artificial sweetener, is linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The gut health expert suggests swapping them for Monk fruit (pure), stevia (pure), or real fruit.
Plastic water bottles
Drinking water from the easily available plastic water bottles could expose you to a staggering 2,40,000 plastic fragments, which is 100 times more microplastics than previously thought, according to Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
“BPA and even BPA-free can leach hormones, disrupting chemicals, especially in warm temperatures. Swap for stainless steel or glass,” says Dr Sethi.
Ultra-processed packaged foods
Those mouthwatering cakes, cookies, and chips may be irresistible, but are a sureshot disruptors of your gut health. Full of additives, emulsifiers, sweeteners, colours, microparticles and nanoparticles, they affect the gut, including the microbiome, intestinal permeability and intestinal inflammation, according to a study published in Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology.
“Most contain seed oils, preservatives, gums, and emulsifiers, all known to disrupt gut health and metabolism. Swap for whole, recognisable ingredients. If it has more than 5+ unpronounceables…pass,” the gut doctor suggests.
Scented candles and air fresheners
Packed with phthalates and VOCs (volatile organic compounds), these ‘wellness’ products are linked to hormone disruption and inflammation. Dr Sethi suggests swapping them for beeswax candles, essential oil diffusers, or just ventilation.
Deli meats with preservatives (nitrites/nitrates)
Apart from weight gain, the precooked, cured, or processed meats could even be putting you at risk of colon cancer. “Processed meats are often packed with sodium nitrite, nitrate, and other preservatives linked to gut inflammation, microbiome disruption, and even colorectal cancer risk. Swap for freshly cooked meats,” says the noted gastroenterologist.
Antibacterial soaps with triclosan
A better choice for hygiene or the worst? Dr Sethi says they may kill the good bacteria and bad bacteria alike. The gut doctor warns that they can harm your skin barrier and also impact your gut health. The expert suggests switching to plain soap and water.
Fragrance-loaded laundry detergents and dryer sheets
They are packed with phthalates and synthetic chemicals that cling to your clothes and your skin. “It can disrupt hormones and irritate sensitive systems over time. Swap for fragrance-free or wool dryer balls with essential oil,” says the expert.
With rapidly rising toxins in our environment, it’s important to stay mindful of what’s hidden in the everyday items around you. Reducing your toxin load can go a long way in supporting gut, brain, and hormonal health.