The worst foods for gut health and how they disrupt your entire system
Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert
Dec 06, 2025 · 10 min read
Ultra-processed foods high in added sugar, artificial sweeteners/additives, and unhealthy fats can measurably change microbiome composition within 24 hours. Over time, those patterns may weaken the protective mucosal barrier and increase intestinal permeability, allowing bacterial components (like endotoxin) to enter the bloodstream and contribute to systemic inflammation. Here’s the clinical evidence for which foods do ...