One of the main side effects of consuming ultra-processed foods, new study finds

While it’s well known that ultra-processed foods aren’t ideal for your health, a new study shows that regular consumption of these types of foods and drinks can actually lead to serious gastrointestinal issues.

An international group of researchers led by the Population Health Research Institute and McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences in Canada decided to determine whether eating habits may play a role in diagnosing IBD, also known as inflammatory disease. bowel, a general term that refers to a group of chronic disorders of the digestive system, the two most common disorders being ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – since Evidence linking diet to the onset of IBD is “limited and conflicting.”

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The team of researchers brought together more than 116,000 adults from around the world (21 countries) aged 35 to 70 from low, middle and high income areas. Participants were assessed over a 13-year period during which volunteers were asked to complete a detailed diet and nutrition questionnaire. All new IBD diagnoses were identified, which included a total of 467 cases (90 with Crohn’s disease, 377 with ulcerative colitis).

After taking into consideration other possible risk factors (such as age, weight, alcohol consumption, and smoking), the researchers found that high consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with an increased risk of IBD. Ultra-processed foods include processed meats, sugary breakfast cereals, soft drinks, fruit drinks, refined sugary foods (such as candy), salty snacks, ice cream, and prepared pastries and cookies. commercially, because these foods contain high amounts of sugar, salt, and fat, as well as food additives, artificial flavors or colors while lacking in fiber and essential nutrients.

Statistically speaking, consuming one to four servings of ultra-processed foods each day was associated with a 67% increased risk of IBD, while five or more servings per day resulted in an 82% increase. In addition, the results of this observational study also revealed that white meat, unprocessed red meat, dairy products and starches, as well as fruits, vegetables and legumes, were not associated with the development of an IBD. These results led the study authors to believe that the risk of chronic intestinal inflammation is more likely related to whether a food is processed or not, rather than to the food itself.

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“While more studies are needed to identify what exactly is responsible, it makes sense that the combination of low fiber, low antioxidant, and high sugar is inflammatory for the disease. bowel and can cause digestive upset, ”says Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, assistant professor of nutrition at New York University, author of“ Finally Full, Finally Slim ”.

In fact, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation reports that while there is no recommended standard diet for people diagnosed with IBD, sugary foods, fatty foods high in fat, foods made with unabsorbable sugars. (such as sugar alcohols in sugar – gums, candies, free ice cream) and drinks containing caffeine all make the list of “potential trigger foods”.

Since the research team concluded that even a daily serving of ultra-processed foods can wreak havoc on your gut microbiome, Young suggests implementing several smart, simple food swaps in your diet. For example, you can substitute soda for soda water (topped with lemon or fresh mint), opt for roasted sweet potatoes over fries, and choose a homemade fruit smoothie instead of ice cream.

Although, you don’t need to ban your favorite sweet and savory comfort foods for good. “While most of us will want to indulge in that occasional ice cream, for example, keep in mind that portion size matters,” Young continues. “Practice portion control by enjoying one scoop of ice cream instead of two or three scoops.”

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