This Is Why Your Gut Actually Feels Better After Vacationing In Europe

Dr. Supriya Rao, a gastroenterologist, explains that all those additives and preservatives can do more than just make you feel sluggish — they can mess with your gut on a cellular level. “Some common American additives (like carrageenan, polysorbate 80, and certain oils) may alter gut bacteria or increase permeability and increase cytokine production, contributing to inflammation and digestive issues over time,” she says.

In other words, your body knows when it’s being fed chemical soup, and it’s not happy about it.