Processed foods and added sugars have become staples in the average American diet. It’s often called S.A.D. The Standard American Diet.
Despite their convenience and taste, these dietary choices contribute to a rising amount of chronic health conditions including obesity. The connection between these foods and the increase in health conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and cardiovascular issues suggests a need for nutritional education to allow people to control their health.
Understanding the Impact of Processed Foods and Sugars
By definition, processed foods have been altered from their natural state, often through the addition of preservatives, flavor enhancers, and other additives. These foods typically contain high levels of unhealthy fats, sodium, and added sugars—substances that, when consumed in excess, can significantly impair health.
Added sugars, found in everything from soft drinks to sauces, are particularly insidious. While they provide a quick source of energy, they also lead to rapid spikes in blood glucose levels, followed by equally rapid declines. This can result in a persistent cycle of energy crashes and cravings, predisposing individuals to overconsumption. Over time, this can contribute to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
The excessive intake of sodium and unhealthy fats in processed foods, further increases health risks. High sodium levels contribute to hypertension, increasing the risk of stroke and heart disease. Meanwhile, unhealthy fats, particularly trans fats, seed oils and certain saturated fats can lead to the accumulation of arterial plaque, elevating the risk of cardiovascular events.
The Increasing Diet-Related Health Conditions
The United States is witnessing a rise in diet-related health issues. Obesity, which is strongly linked to the consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, has reached epidemic proportions. 42% of American adults are now classified as obese, 9% as severely obese, and 20% of adolescents are classified as obese. This condition significantly increases the risk of health problems such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., with diet being a major contributing factor.
At one time, type 2 diabetes, was primarily diagnosed in older adults. It is now increasingly common among younger people. This is a trend directly connected to poor dietary habits. These statistics are more than just numbers; they reflect a growing public health crisis that demands a proactive approach to your health.
These health problems all point to one thing, a diet that creates Metabolic Dysfunction. Metabolic Dysfunction is when metabolism goes awry and there are abnormal chemical reactions that disrupt the body’s metabolism so less cellular energy is produced. Impaired metabolism can result in nutrient deficiencies and toxic overload, and eventually, to organ dysfunction.
What Can You Do?
You can start by getting educated in the science-based facts of how your body works, what it needs to survive, and how you can provide your body with the balanced nutrition it must have so you live a long, healthy life.
Where Do You Start?
Learn how to eat to enhance your health. You can find out how to eat for better cellular, gut and metabolic health in the Understanding Nutrition and How to Eat for Health Course.
Click here for the Nutrition Program
Help Promote Better Metabolic Health
Obesity, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, etc. are all part of the Metabolic Syndrome.
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