Gut health expert warns against two breakfast items that could do 'more harm than good'

28 Jan 2024

Daily Record

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Gut health expert warns against two breakfast items that could do more
harm than good

Breakfast is how people fuel themselves for the day ahead, but what you're eating could be making matters worse.

When it comes to breakfast, often called the most important meal of the day, many of us reach for whatever we can get our hands on first - especially if we are in a rush.

Whilst grabbing a glass of orange juice and a slice of toast may be your usual to go breakfast, this might not be as beneficial as you think. Yes, even the fruit you consume in the morning might not be the best move.

Talking about the breakfast myth, Chris Dubberley, director of e-commerce site Incontinence Shop, says that OJ could actually be doing more harm than good when it comes to our gut. And it doesn't stop there with breakfast bars also up for debate - two items which could actually be setting us up for a terrible morning.

Orange juice and breakfast bars

Dubberley explains that orange juice has a high sugar content which is shockingly comparable to fizzy drinks. In addition to our favourite morning drink, breakfast bars are also an items you should look at twice before buying. This is because, whilst a convenient option, they are often packed with added sugars and artificial ingredients.

He recommends that you instead look for bars with minimal additives. A better option, if you can, is to create your own using whole grains, nuts, and dried fruits for a fibre-rich and gut-friendly snack.

Dubberley says that often marketing campaigns can mislead us into thinking a sweet start to the day is ideal, but sugary cereals and pastries can make us feel worse. Not all sugars are bad of course, you just have to be aware which are good and which are not.

He explains: “That isn’t to say that there aren’t healthy breakfast choices that can incorporate natural sugars to satisfy that morning sweet tooth. Full fat plain Greek yoghurt with fresh fruit, nuts, and a drizzle of honey offers a balanced combination of probiotics, fibre, and healthy fats. It can contribute to a well-nourished gut.”

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Try having a high-protein breakfast

Try opting for eggs and avocado on toast (Image: Getty/Alexander Spatari)

Protein is good for us all. Items high in this include porridge and eggs - something many of us have in our homes. These options are not only better for our gut health, but they keep us fuller for longer and keep those pre-lunch snacking at bay.

The gut health expert explains that if you want to get as much protein as you can whilst not relying solely on red meat - or avoiding it altogether - you should try to incorporate plant-based sources like lentils and beans into your morning meals. This is because it can provide the protein boost your gut needs while minimising health risks associated with excessive red meat consumption.

For those who love a slice of toast in the morning, opt for whole grain and add an avocado and egg. This is rich in fibre and provides healthy fats. Dubberley says: Avocado contains beneficial nutrients for your gut, making it a great addition to any morning meal."