Doctor Reveals Five Popular Foods She Would Never Eat, And The Shocking Damage They Could Do To Your Health

Living a healthy, long life could depend on avoiding these common food pitfalls.

Let’s face it, we’ve all fallen victim to the endless stream of advice on what we should or shouldn’t be eating. One day, it's kale and quinoa; the next, we’re questioning our love affair with avocados. So, who’s got time to sort through all the noise? 

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Well, when a doctor decides to spill the beans on the foods she'd never touch, it’s worth perking up and taking notes. Dr. Jessica Kiss, or as her TikTok followers know her, Ask Dr. Mom, isn’t here to rain on your gastronomic parade—but she does have some insights that might make you rethink a few things sitting in your fridge.

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In her viral video, Dr. Kiss lays out the five foods that she, a health professional, refuses to eat. Her reasons range from eyebrow-raising consequences to, believe it or not, potential paralysis. 

You might be surprised at some of the foods she recommends steering clear of, but don’t worry—it’s not all bad news. There are ways to avoid the risks while still enjoying some of your favorite bites.

One thing's for sure—you’ll want to read on, especially since the last item is the kind of health tip that could catch anyone off guard. Let’s dive into these surprising food choices that could be doing your body more harm than good.

Picnic food left out in the open

Picnic food left out in the openFreepik
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There’s something magical about a summer picnic—until Dr. Kiss reminds you that food left out in the open for too long becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. 

No matter how tempting that potato salad looks after an hour, it might come with an unwanted side of foodborne illness. Her rule? Eat picnic food right away or save it for later in the fridge—no lukewarm in-between.

Research by Dr. Mark Hyman, a functional medicine expert, reveals that many popular foods, like refined sugars and certain types of fats, can disrupt hormonal balance and contribute to various health issues.

Dr. Hyman highlights that these food choices can lead to insulin resistance, weight gain, and even mood disorders. To combat this, he recommends a dietary shift towards nutrient-dense foods such as leafy greens, nuts, and seeds.

Incorporating these foods into daily meals can help stabilize blood sugar levels, reduce cravings, and improve overall well-being.

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Grapefruit

GrapefruitFreepik

Surprisingly, the humble grapefruit is part of Dr. Kiss’s list. Grapefruit isn’t inherently bad, but it can interfere with a range of medications. If you’re on any prescription meds, it’s worth double-checking with your doctor before indulging in grapefruit.

Any food that has an unnatural color

Any food that has an unnatural colorGetty Stock Images / Mrs

The Hidden Dangers of Processed Foods

Dr. Michael Klaper, a renowned physician and nutrition expert, emphasizes that processed foods often contain unhealthy additives and preservatives that can negatively impact health.

These ingredients can lead to inflammation, obesity, and even chronic diseases over time. Dr. Klaper advises focusing on whole foods, which he believes should constitute the majority of one’s diet. He suggests a simple rule: if it comes in a package, it should be scrutinized carefully.

Switching to a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can not only enhance health but also promote better energy levels and mood.

Food that looks like a unicorn exploded all over it? Not for Dr. Kiss. Food dyes are often used to make processed foods more appealing, but they don’t offer any nutritional value—and can even be harmful in large amounts. 

Beyond health risks, Dr. Kiss mentions one humorous reason for avoiding these colorful treats: she prefers not to deal with neon-colored surprises in the bathroom.

Reheated rice

Reheated riceGetty Stock Images/ Adina Vlasceanu

Nothing says 'lazy breakfast' quite like some quick and easy leftover rice. But here's the kicker—reheated rice? That stuff can be as dangerous as the tequila shots you downed last night.

According to Dr. Kiss, when rice is left at room temperature, a type of bacteria called Bacillus cereus can grow. Microwaving the rice doesn’t always kill the spores, and this can lead to food poisoning. 

So, unless you’re keen on a potential gut-wrenching experience, consider reheating that rice carefully, or better yet, toss it out.

Food from a dented can

Food from a dented canFreepik

If you’re the type who usually grabs that slightly dented can off the shelf without thinking twice, you might want to sit down for this. A dent in the can might seem harmless, but Dr. Kiss explains that it can create tiny openings for bacteria to sneak in—particularly the strain notorious for causing botulism. 

Botulism affects the nerves, leads to paralysis, and sometimes even death; that’s something you definitely don’t want to risk over a can of soup. If that can looks suspiciously damaged, it’s safer to leave it on the shelf.

Caption 3: Your grocery list might never be the same after hearing what’s off the menu for this TikTok-famous doc!

Check out the video here

@askdrmom I have more. But these are my big ones. For sure share this list with a friend! #5things #doctorlife #sickday #fall2024 #fallfood #momlife ♬ Little Things - Tiqta

So, what’s the takeaway here? While it might be tough to imagine giving up leftover rice or saying no to that last dented can of your favorite soup, sometimes it’s the smallest changes that can have the biggest impact on our health.

We’d love to get your thoughts on Dr. Kiss’s advice. Would you be heeding it, or do you have a superior argument to make?

Psychological Insights & Implications

In light of these expert insights, it's clear that being mindful of food choices can significantly impact long-term health. Both Dr. Klaper and Dr. Hyman underscore the importance of opting for whole, unprocessed foods to foster better physical and mental health.

Making gradual changes, like swapping out processed snacks for fresh fruits or nuts, can lead to sustainable improvements. Regularly consulting reliable health resources can also empower individuals to make informed dietary choices that align with their wellness goals.

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