Winter makes us crave comfort. Many people consume warm drinks, packaged snacks and easy foods. But what if some of your favourite winter staples are quietly harming your gut? According to Stanford health educator Prashant Desai, a few common choices may be increasing inflammation without you realising it. In a recent video, he shared three foods you should avoid this winter and what to eat instead to protect your gut health.
Let’s break it down in a simple way.
Avoid THESE 2 Things In Winter To Protect Your Gut Health
1. Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate feels like the perfect winter drink. Warm, cosy, and comforting. But most packaged hot chocolate powders are loaded with sugar. They spike insulin levels and slow down metabolism. Over time, this sugar overload can disrupt digestion and trigger inflammation.
Prashant Desai warns that this popular drink does more harm than good. It offers warmth, but at a heavy cost to your gut.
What to drink instead:
Switch to turmeric latte, also known as haldi milk or golden milk. This is not a trend. It’s wisdom passed down by our grandmothers. Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory properties. It supports digestion, improves gut health, and even helps you sleep better during winter nights.
2. Packaged Orange Juice
Many people believe packaged orange juice is a great source of vitamin C. The truth is quite different. These drinks are mostly sugar and water. They contain no fibre and no digestive enzymes. This causes a sharp glucose spike, which stresses the gut and fuels inflammation.
Instead of helping immunity, it often does the opposite.
What to drink instead:
Choose amla-based drinks. Real amla is a powerful natural source of vitamin C. It supports digestion, boosts immunity, and is much gentler on the gut. It works with your body, not against it.
3. Refined Oils
Refined oils are everywhere from biscuits and parathas to packaged foods. They are highly processed and stripped of nutrients. These oils are inflammatory and linked to long-term health issues, especially gut imbalance.
Prashant Desai’s advice is to avoid refined oils this winter.
What to use instead:
Go back to traditional fats. Desi ghee is a great option. Made from A2 milk of indigenous cows, ghee is anti-inflammatory. It helps heal the gut lining, supports digestion, and is also good for heart health when used in moderation.
To sum it up, your gut health depends on daily choices. Small swaps can reduce inflammation and help your body stay balanced through winter. Sometimes, the best solutions are the ones we already know – just forgotten.
