We spend
hours obsessing over clean eating, fitness routines, and gut-boosting
supplements. But according to Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist and liver
specialist, the real damage to your health might be coming from something far
more basic, the products you use every single day. In a recent post that’s gone
viral, he listed 8 common household items that are quietly messing with your
gut, liver, hormones and immune system. And no, this isn’t a feat-mongering detox
checklist, it’s a science-backed reminder that some of our most “normal” habits
are far from harmless. Let’s break down the full list and what you should be
doing instead.
8 common
household items to ditch for better health
Scratched or
chipped non-stick pans.
Non-stick
cookware may feel like a kitchen essential, but once it’s scratched, it can
leach PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances’) aka “forever chemicals” into
your food. These chemicals have been linked to liver damage, hormone
disruption, infertility, thyroid disease and even cancer.
What to do
instead: Ditch damaged non-stick pans and switch to ceramic, stainless steel or
cast-iron options for safer cooking.
Artificial sweeteners
Dr. Sethi
warns that sweetneners like aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin can negatively
affect your gut microbiome, lead to poor glucose control, and trigger sugar
cravings.
Some studies
even suggest they can alter the way your body responds to actual sugar.
What to do
instead: Use natural options like stevia ( in its purest form), raw honey or
jaggery but in moderation.
Single use
plastic bottles
Drinking water
from disposable plastic bottle, especially when exposed to heat ir sunlight,
can cause microplastics and BPA to leach into the water. These compounds act as endocrine
disturbances, throwing your hormones out of balances and potentially affecting
metabolism, fertility and gut health.
What to do
instead: Switch to a stainless steel or glass water bottle. It’s better for
your health and the planet.
Ultra-processed
packaged foods
It’s not
just about calories. Ultra-processed foods contain a cocktail of preservatives,
refined oils, additives and synthetic flavourings that wreak havoc on your gut
lining. Dr. Sethi explains that these can cause chronic inflammation,
microbiome imbalances and even “ leaky gut syndrome”.
What to
instead: Cook with whole foods as much as possible. Avoid ingredient lists you
can’t pronounce.
Air fresheners
and scented candles
They may
smell like lavender or “ fresh cotton”, but most commercial air fresheners and
candles release VOCs ( volatile organic compounds) and phthalates, both of
which are linked to respiratory problems, hormone disruptions, and possible
long-term damage to the liver and reproductive system.
What to do
instead” Use essential oil diffusers, open windows for ventilation or opt for
non-toxic soy/ beeswax candles.
Deli-meats
Cold cuts
like salami, bacon, ham and sausages often contain nitrates, nitrites and high
levels of sodium and preservatives. These have been directly associated with
gut inflammation, insulin resistance and increased risk of colorectal cancer.
What to
instead: Eat freshly cooked meats, eggs, paneer, tofu or plant-based proteins
instead of processed deli slices.
Antibacterial
soaps
Antibacterial
soaps, especially those containing triclosan, have been banned in several
countries due to their negative health impact. Triclosan not only disrupts your
skin’s natural microbiome, but also contributes to antibiotic resistance and
hormonal issues.
What to
instead” Stick to plain, gentle soaps with no antibacterial marketing hype. Your
body knows how to protect itself without harsh chemicals.
Fragrance-heavy
laundry detergents and dryer sheets
The “ fresh
scent” left behind by laundry products often comes from a mix of synthetic
chemicals that cling to our clothes and are absorbed through your skin. Over time,
they may contribute to skin irritation, hormonal disruption, and low-grade
inflammation.
What to do
instead” Use fragrance-free or eco-friendly laundry detergents, and skip dryer
sheets altogether or replace them with reusable wool dryer balls.
We live in
a time when chronic gut issues, bloating, fatigue, skin flare-ups, poor
digestion are at an all-time high. And while many of us look to diets and
supplements to “fix” the problem, the truth is: The root cause might be your
environment. These hidden toxins, while subtle on their own, build up over
time, quietly affecting your gut, hormones and immune system. By simply
swapping but the most harmful items you can start, cleaner environment that
allows your body to heal.
You don’t
need to go on a shopping spree or throw out everything today. But you do need
to stay aware. These small changes, like replacing a pan, switching a soap, or
ditching that artificial sweetener can create real, lasting change in your
health. As Dr. Sethi says, “ The first step to healing your gut isn’t adding
more, it’s removing what’s harming you”. So next time you’re restocking your
kitchen or laundry, read the label. Think twice. Your gut will thank you for
it.
