(NaturalHealth365)  It is well established that highly processed foods can increase your risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, certain cancers, and heart disease – not to mention it can seriously expand your waistline – but now new research shows that it can significantly impact brain function.

This groundbreaking research was presented in August 2022 at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in San Diego.  It detailed the ways that these highly processed foods can play a significant role in increasing a person’s rate of cognitive decline.  In fact, it only takes about 100 calories from these foods to negatively affect your health.  That’s about two cookies.

Clear evidence: Processed foods create inflammation, affect brain’s neurotransmitters

Processed foods are the ready-to-eat foods that line grocery store shelves.  Sugary drinks, instant noodles, canned soups, and frozen meals are some of the biggest culprits.  Hot dogs are also on the list, and even many foods that are labeled as “healthy” or marketed as low fat, low calorie, or low carb.

The problem with these foods is that they contain many substances that, truth be told, the human body is not meant to ingest.  When these substances enter the body, they begin to wreak havoc, creating inflammation that can affect the brain’s neurotransmitters.  What’s more, they operate at the micro level and introduce billions of bacteria cells that attack the body’s systems and impair functions on several levels, including cognition.

How to make BETTER choices and lower your consumption of highly processed foods

While processed foods may seem more convenient because you don’t have to do much to prepare, you pay for that “convenience” with your health.  The best way to reduce your consumption of highly processed foods is to just stop.  Replace those foods with natural, whole foods that include grass fed meats, wild caught salmon, organic fruits, vegetables, sprouts, nuts and seeds.  It really is that simple.

If you don’t have time to prepare a fresh meal every day, meal prepping can be a tremendous help.  There are companies that do the work for you, and you can choose what meals you want.  Just be sure these services offer clean, organic, and fresh options.

If you don’t want the expense of purchasing your meal prep kits you can always do it yourself.  Purchase some containers that are freezer and dishwasher safe, then choose a day to cook and prep.  That way, you will have your own version of fast food without all the substances that you don’t want.  There are many books and websites devoted to meal prep, so finding a good plan shouldn’t be difficult.

You should also make sure you are incorporating exercise into your daily routine and stay well hydrated.  These two things are integral for flushing toxins out of your system.  If you are ingesting even small amounts of highly processed food, engaging in these two activities may help.  Exercise will cause you to sweat, which removes toxins, and water can help flush them out.

Your health is important.  Don’t compromise it because you would rather eat foods that are convenient instead of foods that are good for you.  You will pay for it in the long run – and it’s very expensive.

Sources for this article include:

MedicalXpress.com