In a recent Huberman Lab Podcast, Dr. Huberman discussed one of the hidden consequences of processed foods: The degradation of your gut lining by emulsifiers. Ingredients like polysorbate 80, lecithin, polyglycerols, and xanthan and other “gums,” are all added to processed foods to keep the fats from separating. Research has shown that these emulsifiers break down the mucosal lining of the intestine, leading to a disfunction of the nerves that line the digestive tract.
Additionally, research shows that emulsifiers impact the gut microbiome. From the Journal Nature, “…researchers fed mice emulsifiers through water or food. The experiment used polysorbate 80 (common in ice cream) and carboxymethylcellulose, and found that it altered microbiota in a way that caused chronic inflammation. They tested the emulsifiers at levels below those approved for use in food and also at levels modeled to mirror ‘what a person would eat, if they eat a lot of processed food.’
Mice with abnormal immune systems fed emulsifiers developed chronic colitis. Those with normal immune systems developed mild intestinal inflammation and a metabolic disorder that caused them to eat more, and become obese, hyperglycemic, and insulin resistant.”
My take? Since hearing about these findings, I have taken a concerted effort to reduce the processed foods I take in that have emulsifiers in them. I am sticking to more whole foods or minimally process foods. Anything foods that ingredients contain “gum” or a word I can’t pronounce I am going to lay off as much as possible and see if this helps areas of my digestion.
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