8 everyday toxins that could be silently damaging your gut, liver, and hormones
We spend hours obsessing over clean eating, fitness routines, and gut-boosting supplements. But according to Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a 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 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 feat-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 sweetneners 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 bottle, especially when exposed to heat ir sunlight, can cause microplastics and BPA to leach into the water. These compounds act as endocrine disturbances, throwing your hormones out of balances 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 imbalances and even “ leaky gut syndrome”.
What to 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 disruptions, 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 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 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 our 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 but the most harmful items you can start, 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, read the label. Think twice. Your gut will thank you for it.