Harvard gastroenterologist lists 8 everyday toxins you should ditch now

You may be feeding strip and workings come out on a regular basis, but if your kitchen is still holding on to certain everyday items, your health might be at risk without you even realising it.

Dr Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard and Stanford-trained gastroenterologist and hepatologist, recently took to Instagram to share a list of eight common toxins we often ignore in our homes, especially in our kitchens. These culprits, according to Dr Sethi, can quietly disrupt gut health, hormones, metabolism, and even increase your risk of disease over time.

If your nonstick pans are chipped or peeling, it’s time to say goodbye. Dr Sethi warns that damaged Teflon can release toxic fumes and microplastics, especially when exposed to high heat.

Swap for: Ceramic, stainless steel, or cast iron cookware.

Often marketed as “diet-friendly,” these sweeteners may harm your gut bacteria, blood sugar balance, and appetite signals. Long-term use has also been linked to glucose intolerance.

Swap for: Pure monk fruit, stevia, or real fruits for natural sweetness.

Even BPA-free plastics can leach hormone-disrupting chemicals when exposed to warm temperatures.

Swap for: Stainless steel or glass bottles that are safer and reusable.

Think snacks loaded with additives, seed oils, emulsifiers, and preservatives. These disrupt gut health, affect metabolism, and trigger inflammation.

Rule of thumb: If the label has more than five ingredients you can’t pronounce—skip it.

Swap for: Whole foods with recognisable, minimal ingredients.

These may make your home smell great, but they often contain phthalates and VOCs, linked to hormone imbalances and inflammation.

Swap for: Beeswax candles, essential oil diffusers, or simply good ventilation.

Cold cuts may be convenient, but those with nitrites and nitrates are associated with increased gut inflammation and even higher colorectal cancer risk.

Swap for: Freshly cooked meats without added preservatives.

Dr Sethi notes that these soaps can harm your skin barrier and gut microbiome by killing both good and bad bacteria.

Swap for: Plain soap and water—they’re just as effective without the side effects.

These everyday products can contain phthalates and synthetic chemicals that cling to your clothes—and then to your skin—affecting hormone balance and irritating sensitive systems.

Swap for: Fragrance-free detergents or wool dryer balls with a few drops of essential oil.

So next time you’re clearing out your kitchen or shopping for groceries and home supplies, think beyond calories, and start reading labels, checking materials, and making mindful swaps.

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