Decoding nutrition labels
A Gastroenterologist's Guide to Healthier Eating Habits
As a gastroenterologist, I emphasize the importance of understanding what we consume, as it significantly impacts our digestive health, hunger, and cravings. Reading and interpreting food labels is a crucial skill in making healthier dietary choices. Here’s a simplified guide to help you navigate the complexities of ingredient labels for better health.
- Keep It Simple: The Fewer Ingredients, the Better
- Look for Short Ingredient Lists: Products with fewer than seven ingredients are preferable. A shorter list often indicates minimal processing and fewer artificial additives, which is beneficial for your digestive health.
- Understand the Ingredients: If you can’t pronounce it or don’t know what it is, you might want to think twice. Natural, whole-food ingredients are always the best choice for maintaining good digestive health.
- Beware of Added Sugars
- Identify Hidden Sugars: Added sugars can be disguised under many names, such as glucose, fructose, syrup, and words ending in “-ose.” Unlike natural sugars found in fruits, added sugars can disrupt your metabolism and exacerbate digestive issues.
- Limit Added Sugars: Aim to minimize the intake of added sugars. Excessive consumption can lead to weight gain, bloating, and other gastrointestinal issues.
