Gastroenterologist lists hot dogs among eight foods he avoids

A California-based gastroenterologist, Dr Saurabh Sethi, has listed processed meats including hot dogs, sausages and bacon among eight foods he avoids for better gut health. The World Health Organization classifies processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen, with the strongest evidence linking it to an increased risk of colorectal cancer upon regular and high consumption over time.

Dr Sethi, who trained at AIIMS, Harvard and Stanford, shared his list on Instagram. He also advises limiting foods with emulsifiers such as polysorbate 80 and carboxymethylcellulose, high-fructose corn syrup, diet drinks with artificial sweeteners, sugary breakfast cereals, ultra-processed protein bars, canned soups high in sodium, and synthetic food colours Red 40 and Yellow 5.

Times Now News reports that Dr Sethi's recommendations are based on emerging research linking certain additives to gut inflammation and disruption of the intestinal barrier, though more human studies are needed. He emphasises moderation rather than complete avoidance.