With regard to healthy eating, the secret lies in balance, and most doctors argue that it is better to eat some of that not so nutritious food than to have prohibitions. Still, there are foods that gastroenterologists never eat.
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10/08/2026
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Nas far as food is concerned, everyone has their little pleasures. Burgers, pizzas, chocolates, sodas, among so many others, are on the list.
Most doctors and nutritionists argue that the secret is moderation. That is, consume these foods rarely, counterbalanced with a healthy diet mostly.
However, highlights the Huff Post, there are certain foods that gastroenterologists – doctors who specialize in keeping the intestine and digestive tract healthy, avoid at all costs. There they are.
1. Protein bars
Some people think that protein bars are a good alternative to a healthy snack and although some are better than others, the truth is that they are not recommended.
Gastroenterologist Harmony Allison reveals she never eats them. “I never eat ‘protein bars’. They are often highly processed and contain many additives of unknown utility,” he noted.
“ You get the same amount of protein in a glass of milk, peanut butter, nuts or pumpkin seeds”, complete.
2. Steak
Gastroenterologists are not the biggest fans of red meat. Doctor Reezwana Chowdhury pointed out that she avoids consuming it, especially steaks and hamburgers.
“ Red meat and processed meat increase the risk of colon cancer and polyps. They're rich in saturated fats. If you consume them, the amount is important: the risk of colon cancer is greater in those who consume more than 100 grams a day”, he says.
3. Hot dogs and other processed meat
Few are those who resist a crispy bacon or a hot dog, but these are foods that the gastroenterologist and teacher Rabia De Latour avoids at all costs.
“Red and processed meats present a higher risk of colorectal cancer,” he stressed. “Data associate the consumption of red meat and processed meat four or more times a week with a 20% increase in the risk of colon cancer.”.
4. Fish or fried chicken
“ Studies have shown that fried oil can negatively modulate the intestinal microbiome, leading to aggravation of atherosclerosis (fat accumulation and other substances in the walls of the arteries)”, explained doctor Mahmoud Ghannoum, researcher of the microbiome and co-founder of BIOHM.
In the long term, this accumulation can lead to consequences such as heart attack and stroke.
5. Refrigeration
If you drink soft drinks or other sugary drinks, it's time to rethink this habit. “These drinks are linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease,” noted gastroenterologist Simon C. Matthews.
“ In addition, they usually cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as swelling, burping and reflux, especially when combined in their gasified versions and with caffeine”.
6. White bread
According to Dr. Shilpa Grover, refined grains are not friends of the gut.
“ Studies that evaluated dietary patterns clearly showed that a high intake of red and processed meat and refined grains is associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis [inflammatory pockets in the digestive tract]”, he noted.
“ Contrary to what was thought, nuts, corn and popcorn are not associated with an increased risk of developing diverticulosis or complications such as diverticulitis or bleeding.”.