24 Unexpected Foods That Can Wreck Your Digestive System

15. Seed Oils: The Oxidative Offenders

Seed oils like soybean, corn, canola, and sunflower oil are ubiquitous in processed foods and restaurant meals. While once touted as heart-healthy, these oils are often high in omega-6 fatty acids, which, when consumed in excess, can fuel inflammation in the body—including the gut. Additionally, many of these oils are chemically extracted and highly processed, leading to oxidative stress and potential disruptions in the gut lining. Replacing seed oils with healthier fats like olive oil, avocado oil, or grass-fed butter can reduce inflammation and help maintain a balanced microbiome.

16. Emulsifiers: The Texture Trouble-Makers

Used to blend ingredients in products like ice cream, salad dressing, and peanut butter, emulsifiers such as polysorbate 80 and carboxymethylcellulose have been shown to negatively alter gut microbiota. These additives may thin the intestinal mucus layer and increase intestinal permeability—a hallmark of “leaky gut.” While not harmful in small doses for everyone, chronic consumption can provoke inflammation and immune dysfunction in sensitive individuals. Opting for whole, additive-free versions of packaged foods is a simple way to sidestep this hidden threat.