Mass-produced ultra-processed foods have various negative effects on our mental health. these products concentrate inflammatory substances that may impair neuronal plasticity.
It ought to be noted that this series of food items is made with artificial additives of dubious quality. They can even affect the microbiota that determines the passage of toxic substances to the brain area.
How do ultra-processed foods affect mental health?
According research published within the journal Neurology, regular consumption of business ultra-processed products increases the incidence of dementia and other neurodegenerative pathologies. One reason is that this their presence within the weight loss program affects the buildup of poisons within the bodysimilar to beta-amyloid compounds.
It ought to be noted that ultra-processed products can even promote the formation of free radicals within the body and their subsequent deposition in tissues. From then on, the speed of aging will increase. According to A., it was even possible to link the consumption of those products with increased weakness within the elderly study published in Journals of Gerontology.
Finally could be found last attempts that associate the presence of processed foods within the weight loss program with the next incidence of depression in adults. The risk is even greater when physical activity levels are low.
After all, improving your weight loss program and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle are two key points when the goal is to take care of good health.
In any case, not all ultra-processed products are equally harmful. The worst ones are those product of poor quality fatssimilar to refined coconut oil or palm oil. These are essentially the most inflammatory.
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Effect of ultra-processed food on the intestinal microflora
Close communication between the gut and the brain is now known. This is essentially mediated by the microbiota, the set of microorganisms that inhabit the digestive tract.
Therefore, preserving their diversity and density will help reduce the danger of disease. Among them are depression, anxiety and neurodegenerative diseases.
Diet can largely determine the functioning of the microbiome and its characteristics. Simple sugars, artificial additives and trans fats negatively affect the microbes of the digestive tract. As such, toxins usually tend to cross the intestinal barrier and enter the bloodstream after which spread to numerous tissues.
To avoid this problem, it’s mandatory not only to limit the consumption of ultra-processed foods, but additionally it is usually necessary to incorporate fermented dairy foods and fiber in sufficient amounts in our routine activities. In this sense, major dietary guidelines recommend consuming at the very least 25 grams of fiber per day to feel the advantages.
Not all fibers produce the identical effect. The one which has a greater effect on the microbiota is the soluble one. It expands with water and ferments. It serves as an energy substrate for bacteria and because of it, anti-inflammatory compounds, similar to short-chain fatty acids, are synthesized. An example is butyrate.
Healthy microbiota within the treatment of depression
The microbiota-gut-brain axis is increasingly being studied. Latest research showed that the development of the clinical picture of mental health could also be possible because of the proper recomposition of the microbiome.
In other words, probiotics could be added to treat depression within the near future. Microbial modulators may increase patients’ response to antidepressants.
By the identical token, cutting down on ultra-processed foods could be a protective factor for mental health. Limiting it within the weight loss program can improve the bacterial microflora, and thus the danger of developing clinical depression or anxiety could be controlled.
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Ultra-processed food is bad on your mental health
Ultra-processed foods have a negative impact on people’s mental health. They increase the extent of inflammation and oxidation within the body. They may even contain toxic elements that accumulate in tissues and interfere with normal physiological functioning.
For this reason, their presence within the weight loss program ought to be limited as much as possible.
Maintaining good habits will help improve your mental health. An indispensable aspect is the standard of sleep, in addition to physical activity and healthy habits.
Mental health is complex and has many causes. Its improvement or deterioration can’t be attributed to anybody factor. Nevertheless, the negative role of ultra-processed food seems obvious.
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