Non-food foods
Care # 34
Tl;Dr
Excessive sugar intake and ultra-processed foods are linked to metabolic disorders, cognitive decline, and mental health issues.
Aspartame and non-nutritive sweeteners may impact cognitive health by disrupting neurotransmitters and gut microbiome balance.
Even moderate alcohol consumption affects brain structure and function, increasing cancer risks and psychological dependence.
Seed oils high in omega-6 fatty acids contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial damage, potentially due to misleading health recommendations.
Excessive consumption of sugar, ultra-processed foods, alcohol, and seed oils can lead to metabolic disorders, cognitive decline, inflammation, and even psychological dependence. Understanding these risks is crucial for making informed dietary choices that protect long-term health.
Connections to heart, diabetes, brain and memory
Metabolic & Cardiovascular Risks: High intake of sugar-sweetened beverages is strongly linked to metabolic syndromes like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The average American's sugar consumption, around 17 teaspoons daily, significantly contributes to these health risks.
Neurological Impact: Diets high in sugar and ultra-processed foods accelerate cognitive decline, contribute to Alzheimer’s risk, and affect mood disorders like depression and anxiety. Mitochondrial dysfunction and protein alterations are key underlying factors.
Aspartame & Cognitive Health: Aspartame, a common artificial sweetener, can cross the blood-brain barrier and disrupt neurotransmitter balance, potentially causing oxidative stress and memory issues. Its impact on the gut microbiome also suggests a link to brain inflammation and depression.
Alcohol's Health Impact: It's well-established that consuming high levels of alcohol (twelve to 24 drinks per week or more) leads to neurodegeneration. High intake primarily affects the neocortex, which is crucial for associative memories, cognitive functions, and regulating primitive drives. Many people consume an average of one to two drinks per day or seven to fourteen drinks per week. The study is significant because it suggests that even this level of alcohol consumption can lead to some degree of brain degeneration.
Seed Oils: Commonly consumed seed oils are linked to oxidative stress and inflammation due to their high omega-6 to omega-3 ratios.
Discover other connections: The sugar consequences of salt | Explosive & toxic chemicals in food | Is organic food worth it? | Level up your gut! | Brain health 101 | Your energy source | Power up with potassium
ACCELERATE CARE 🏎️
Reduce Sugar and Processed Foods: Cut down on sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods to lower the risk of metabolic disorders and cognitive decline.
Choose Natural Sweeteners: Opt for natural alternatives like stevia or monk fruit to avoid the potential cognitive and gut health impacts of aspartame and other artificial sweeteners.
Limit Alcohol Intake: Be mindful of alcohol consumption to protect brain structure and function and reduce the risk of dependency and cancer.
Avoid Seed Oils High in Omega-6: Use healthier fats like olive oil, avocado oil, or butter to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
Stay Informed About Nutritional Science: Question mainstream nutritional guidelines and seek out reliable, research-backed information to make the best choices for your health.
Self-Care 👀
Are you aware of the hidden dangers in your daily diet?
Sources
Top 5 Foods That Damage Your Brain - Avoid Eating This | Cynthia Thurlow
What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health