9 Worst Foods for Gut Health
9 Worst Foods for Gut Health Not many people reaslse that our gut health plays a crucial role in our overall wellbeing, affecting everything from our digestion to our immune system and even our mental health. While many foods can support a healthy gut, others can have a detrimental effect. Here at 121Dietitian, we address the whole body so when it comes to your unique symptoms you not only have these resolved but feel amazing too. So you can stay tip-top, this article explores the 9 worst foods for gut health and why they might be causing problems for your digestive system. Ultra-Processed Foods Ultra-processed foods are perhaps the biggest culprits when it comes to poor gut health. These are foods that have been heavily modified from their original state and often contain a long list of unhealthy ingredients, many of which you might struggle to pronounce. Examples of ultra-processed foods (shop-bought) include: Fizzy drinks Crisps and savoury snacks Mass-produced bread Sugary breakfast cereals Biscuits and cakes Instant noodles and soups These foods are typically high in processed sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, while being low in fibre and essential nutrients. They can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in your gut, leading to inflammation and digestive issues. Moreover, ultra-processed foods often contain emulsifiers, which are additives used to improve texture and shelf life. Some studies suggest that these emulsifiers can negatively affect the gut microbiome and potentially contribute to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. 2. Fried Foods While the occasional portion of chips might be a treat, regularly consuming fried foods can wreak havoc on your gut health. Foods that are deep-fried, such as chicken nuggets, doughnuts, and chips, are often cooked in oils that are high in omega-6 fatty acids. While some omega-6 is necessary for health, an excess can lead to inflammation in the body, including in the gut. Our current intake of Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio is seriously out of range. Currently Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio = 16:1 when it should be 4:1 Furthermore, the process of deep-frying creates compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can damage the gut lining and contribute to inflammation. 3. Artificial Sweeteners Many people turn to artificial sweeteners as a way to reduce their sugar intake, but these substances might not be doing your gut any favours. While research is ongoing, some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners can negatively affect the balance of bacteria in your gut. Common artificial sweeteners include: Aspartame Sucralose Saccharin These sweeteners pass through your digestive system largely undigested, but they may interact with the bacteria in your gut in ways we don’t fully understand yet. Some research indicates that they might increase the number of bacteria associated with metabolic diseases. 4. Red and Processed Meats While lean meats can be part of a healthy diet, excessive consumption of red and processed meats has been linked to various health issues, including problems with gut health. Processed meats, such as bacon, sausages, and deli meats, often contain preservatives and additives that can irritate the gut lining. They’re also typically high in saturated fat, which can promote inflammation in the body. Red meat, when consumed in large quantities, can also have negative effects on gut health. It contains a compound called L-carnitine, which some gut bacteria convert into a substance called TMAO (trimethylamine N-oxide). High levels of TMAO have been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and other health problems. 5. High-Sugar Foods Foods high in refined sugar can be particularly problematic for gut health. Excessive sugar consumption can feed harmful bacteria and yeast in the gut, leading to an imbalance in the microbiome. Some high-sugar foods to be wary of include: Sweets and chocolates Sugary drinks Many breakfast cereals Flavoured yoghurts Baked goods Sugar can also contribute to inflammation in the gut and may increase intestinal permeability, sometimes referred to as “leaky gut”. 6. Alcohol While the occasional drink might not cause significant harm, excessive alcohol consumption can have serious negative effects on gut health. Alcohol can irritate the lining of the gut, potentially leading to increased permeability. Moreover, alcohol can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, potentially leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. It can also interfere with the production of digestive enzymes, making it harder for your body to break down and absorb nutrients from food. 7. Dairy Products (for some people) While dairy isn’t inherently bad for everyone’s gut health, it can cause significant problems for people who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy sensitivity. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough of the enzyme lactase to break down the sugar (lactose) in dairy products. For these individuals, consuming dairy can lead to symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhoea. Even for those without a diagnosed intolerance, some people find that reducing dairy intake improves their digestive comfort. 8. Gluten-Containing Foods (for some people) Similar to dairy, gluten-containing foods aren’t necessarily bad for everyone’s gut health. However, for people with coeliac disease or non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, these foods can cause significant gut issues. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For people with coeliac disease, consuming gluten triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine. Even for those without coeliac disease, some people find that they digest food more comfortably when they reduce their gluten intake. 9. Caffeine While many of us rely on our morning coffee to get going, excessive caffeine consumption can have negative effects on gut health. Caffeine can increase acid production in the stomach, which may lead to heartburn or acid reflux in some people. Moreover, caffeine has a laxative effect, which can be problematic for people with certain digestive issues. It can also interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients, particularly iron. Overall, it’s worth noting that everyone’s gut is different, and what causes problems for one person might be fine for another. The key is to pay
Mental Health -Exploring the Relationship with Antidepressants and Gut Microbiota
Mental Health As a specialist dietitian, I continually raise awareness about the impact and importance of diet on mental health. The recent Panorama programme regarding the difficulty of antidepressant withdrawal has highlighted the vast numbers of dependants, the need for alternatives, and if possible, avoiding them in the first place. This blog hopes to shed light on the important need and connection between diet and mental well-being exploring the intricate relationship between diet, mental health, antidepressants, and gut microbiota. The Significance of Diet in Mental Health The saying “you are what you eat” holds true when it comes to mental health. We have understood for many years there is a gut-brain axis, and know the complex communication network between the gut and the brain plays a vital role in mental well-being. Numerous pathways have been identified through which diet could plausibly affect mental health. These include modulation of pathways involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, epigenetics, mitochondrial dysfunction, the gut microbiota, tryptophan–kynurenine metabolism, the HPA axis, neurogenesis and BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), epigenetics, and risks with obesity. Mental Health – The Role of Nutrients We know multiple nutrients have been linked to improved mental health. I have spent the past 15 yrs of my 26 yr career, working with my patients to perfect their diets not only to be optimal for their physical wellbeing but mental health too. One group of well-known and researched nutrients are the omega-3s. These fatty acids can be found in fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds but also consumed by the gallon by people in supplement form as our bodies can’t make them. (YouTube Video). Omega 3’s have good and bad press with research finding that high dose supplementation may cause atrial fibrillation and increase risk of bleeding. Consumed in their natural form is the best option as they have a known potential in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety when consumed as part of a bigger nutrient selection. If needing a supplement using a plant based option is ideal (see below). Another well-known group of nutrients are B vitamins, found in whole grains, leafy greens, and legumes, are important for brain function and mood regulation. I see hundreds of patients take these in high doses either in singles like high dose B12 or high dose B6 believing “more is better” whilst continuing a poor quality diet. This is not recommended and can actually be at best making expensive urine and at worst cause toxic neuropathy, insomnia, headache, palpitations, anxiety and acne…. Understanding Antidepressants Antidepressant medications are commonly prescribed to manage mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Common ones include: citalopram (Cipramil) dapoxetine (Priligy) escitalopram (Cipralex) fluoxetine (Prozac or Oxactin) fluvoxamine (Faverin) paroxetine (Seroxat) sertraline (Lustral) vortioxetine (Brintellix) These medications work by increasing neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and noradrenaline. Whilst the exact mechanism of how these chemicals affect mood is not fully understood, it is believed that they help to regulate emotions and improve overall well-being. In the UK, around one in seven now take an antidepressant. Globally they have made the pharmaceutical industry billions. When the current generation of drugs was launched 35 years ago, they promised a safe and effective treatment, free from the side effects of older medicines. But have they lived up to those claims? While many people say they have benefited from taking antidepressants. Panorama revealed evidence of some companies trying to conceal concerns about their drugs, following patients who have suffered serious side effects as they continue their fight to be heard. The Panorama programme highlighted they are not a standalone solution and should be used in conjunction with other therapeutic approaches. Diet and Antidepressants: Interactions and Considerations It’s important to remember that what we eat can also play a significant role in how our bodies respond to antidepressant medications if they are taken. Certain foods and supplements can interact with these drugs, potentially reducing their effectiveness or causing unwanted side effects. Therefore, it’s essential for individuals taking antidepressants to be mindful of their diet and speak with their healthcare provider about any potential interactions that may occur. One example Grapefruit, is a nutritious and delicious fruit that is commonly consumed as part of a healthy diet. However, many people are unaware that grapefruit and its juice can interact with certain medications, impacting their effectiveness and potentially causing harmful side effects. Mental Health and Gut Microbiota The gut microbiota, the trillions of microorganisms residing in our digestive tract, have gained significant attention for their influence on mental well-being. Emerging research suggests that imbalances in the gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, may contribute to mental health disorders. A healthy, diverse gut microbiome is associated with improved mood and cognitive function. Research suggests that the neurochemicals produced by the gut microbiome can have a direct impact on mental health and behaviour. One such example is serotonin, which plays a crucial role as a signalling molecule in the gastrointestinal tract. Enterochromaffin (EC) cells utilize serotonin to activate afferent neurons that transmit signals to the central nervous system, making it an important sensory transducer. Research suggests that the gut is responsible for producing a large portion of the body’s serotonin (over 90%) and roughly half of its dopamine (Berger et al., 2009). Studies conducted on germ-free mice have shown that serum levels of serotonin decrease and tryptophan increase without the presence of gut microbes, further highlighting the important role the gut plays in neurotransmitter production.(Wikoff et al, 2009) The Impact of Diet on Gut Microbiota Diet plays a pivotal role in shaping the composition and diversity of our gut microbiota. A diet rich in fibre, found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, provides nourishment for beneficial bacteria in the gut. On the other hand, diets high in processed foods added sugars, and unhealthy fats can negatively impact the gut microbiota. Mental Health – Probiotics Probiotics, beneficial live bacteria and yeasts, have shown promise in promoting mental well-being. Specific strains of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have
