We spend hours obsessing over clean eating, fitness routines, and gut-boosting supplements. But according to Dr Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard- and Stanford-trained 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 Instagram 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 fear-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 sweeteners 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 bottles, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight, can cause microplastics and BPA to leach into the water. These compounds act as endocrine disruptors, throwing your hormones out of balance 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 imbalance, and even “leaky gut syndrome.”What to do 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 disruption, 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 do 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 do 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 your 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 out the most harmful items, you can start creating a safer, 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 shelf, read the label. Think twice. Your gut will thank you for it.Also read| What causes sleep talking? Signs, triggers, and how to manage it