Gastroenterologists Issue Alarming Warning: 'We Never Put These 6 Foods on Our Plates'
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Gastroenterologists warn against consuming certain processed foods that can cause digestive issues.
- Highly processed protein bars and red meat are among the foods doctors often avoid.
- Processed meats like hot dogs and bacon are linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Gastroenterologists, specialists in digestive health, have issued a stark warning about six types of food they consistently avoid. While occasional indulgence is generally acceptable, these experts steer clear of certain items due to their potential to cause significant digestive distress and long-term health risks.
Highly processed protein bars are frequently cited as a food to avoid. Dr. Harmony Allison, a gastroenterologist at Tufts Medical Center, notes that these bars are often laden with additives and offer a less healthy way to consume protein compared to natural sources like milk, peanut butter, nuts, or pumpkin seeds. They can lead to bloating and gas.
Red meat, particularly steaks and hamburgers, is another category doctors often shun. Dr. Reezwana Chowdhury from Johns Hopkins University highlights that red and processed meats elevate the risk of colorectal cancer and polyps. These meats are rich in saturated fats, and consumption exceeding 100 grams daily is associated with a higher cancer risk.
Processed meats such as hot dogs, bacon, and cold cuts are at the top of the avoidance list. Dr. Rabia De Latour of NYU Grossman School of Medicine warns against them, citing a strong scientific basis. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, classifies processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen, placing it in the same risk category as tobacco and asbestos. Evidence shows that consuming red and processed meat four or more times weekly can increase colorectal cancer risk by up to 20 percent. Even a daily intake of 50 grams, equivalent to one hot dog, raises the risk by about 18 percent, largely due to additives like nitrates and nitrites.
Crveno i preraฤeno meso poveฤavaju rizik od raka debelog crijeva i polipa.
Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.