A medical professional has shared insights about five items she avoids consuming due to their potential health risks.
With endless advice on what to eat or avoid, keeping up with health tips can be overwhelming. Dr. Jessica Kiss, known as Ask Dr Mom on TikTok, posted a video earlier this year discussing the ‘five things’ she ‘will never eat as a doctor,’ noting that the ‘last one’ on her list might seem ‘super weird’ but is quite ‘important’.
Imagine this scenario: After a night out, you indulge in Chinese food on your way home, only to have leftovers the next day. Reheated rice might seem harmless, but when paired with alcohol’s effects on your body, could it be more harmful?
Dr. Kiss highlights that a ‘serious type of bacteria’ emerges if boiled rice is ‘left at room temperature for a bit,’ which can ‘reactivate if you reheat’ it in the microwave ‘ineffectively’.
The doctor explains that it forms ‘spores’, similar to something out of The Last of Us, making it more complex than simply eliminating the bacteria.
However, using a rice cooker to reheat is ‘probably fine,’ allowing your leftovers to be safely consumed.
“But if it comes up to room temperature, don’t eat it again, like don’t,” she advises.
With many waiting months for another summer season, this is an easier recommendation to follow.
“You will not see me eat things that have been sitting out at a picnic,” Dr. Kiss states, noting the ‘risk of foodborne illness is just too high’ for items left out for extended periods.
The workaround? “Eat right away or eat later.”
Although not an absolute rule, Dr. Kiss usually avoids food with artificial colors, drawing a humorous comparison to her hair.
She explains that foods ‘covered in food dye’ are ‘not good for your system’.
Moreover, she prefers not to experience ‘neon-colored stool for the next week’ – understandable.
“I avoid that like the plague,” she declares.
Though not an advocate for canned food as a healthy choice, Dr. Kiss acknowledges it sometimes can’t be avoided.
But what makes a dented can problematic? She explains that if she didn’t witness it being dropped, she worries about ‘botulism’.
The USDA states: “Deep dents often have sharp points. A sharp dent on either the top or side seam can damage the seam and allow bacteria to enter the can. Discard any can with a deep dent on any seam.”
The CDC warns: “Botulism is a rare but serious illness. It is caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves and causes difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and even death.”
https://www.tiktok.com/@username/video/7410058604763499822
Finally, grapefruit—neither dented nor moldy, just grapefruit itself—is on the list.
Dr. Kiss explains: “I don’t eat grapefruit and the reason being is so many medications interact with grapefruit.”
The fruit’s interaction with medications can be problematic, so it is advised to consult your doctor before consuming it.