Processed Foods: High in preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors, processed foods can disrupt the microbiome balance and worsen inflammation in the gut.
Refined Sugars: Excessive consumption of refined sugars can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeasts in the gut, which can disrupt the microbiome and impair the gut barrier function.
Artificial Sweeteners: Some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin may negatively affect gut bacteria and potentially lead to glucose intolerance.
High-Fat Foods: Very fatty foods can be difficult to digest and may exacerbate symptoms in people with gallbladder, liver, or pancreas issues, leading to diarrhea and other gastrointestinal discomforts.
Alcohol: Excessive alcohol intake can damage the gut lining, leading to a condition known as leaky gut syndrome, where bacteria and toxins leak through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream.
Spicy Foods: While not harmful to everyone, spicy foods can irritate the gut lining in some people, leading to discomfort, particularly in those with digestive disorders.
Dairy Products: For individuals who are lactose intolerant, dairy can cause severe bloating, gas, cramps, and diarrhea, as they lack the enzyme lactase needed to digest lactose found in dairy.
Gluten: For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye) triggers an immune response that damages the intestine and causes various gastrointestinal symptoms.