If you are a frequent consumer of fast food, a readily available food that contains a high percentage of fat, salt, sugar, and preservatives, you may not even know what is going on with your brain when you are taking another bite. Studies reveal the effects this can have on our health.
It is known to the general public that foods high in fat and salt contribute to the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and some types of cancer.
But that’s not all. These tasty foods can cause damage to the essential organ – the brain.
Depression and Anxiety
With increasing consumption of pizzas, hamburgers, and fries, quite logically, health begins to deteriorate. And this can lead to unpleasant conditions – depression. Many “heal” their bad feelings by repeatedly consuming these meals. So, they get into a vicious circle.
Dangerously fluctuating blood glucose levels can cause panic attacks, insomnia, or hypoglycemia. This is due to simple (refined) carbohydrates contained in pizza dough, hamburger, or desserts.
Foods high in sugar are associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Studies have shown that a cocktail of sugar, sodium benzoate preservative and artificial colors contained in the coke and other soda can cause some form of hyperactivity. Nervousness, fatigue, blurred vision, headaches, and frequent urination are typical symptoms. This usually lasts 30-40 minutes.
Reduced Learning Ability
Australian researchers at RMIT University have found that frequent consumption of fast food can make learning difficult. It can lead to the so-called neuroplasticity decline – the brain’s ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections.
Brain Does not Know the Stomach Is Full
Eating based on fast foods primarily can cause neuroinflammation – an inflammation of the hippocampus, the part of the brain where memory is stored. When this happens, the brain does not receive a signal from the stomach that it is saturated. This leads to overeating and weight gain.
Food planning, enough fluids, protein, and fiber are excellent tools to prevent these problems.
Source and credit: https://www.powerofpositivity.com/science-reveals-what-happens-to-your-brain-when-you-eat-fast-foods/, pixabay.com
