Consumption of processed meat increases the risk of mental illness

Can Processed Meat Lead to Mental Illness?

It has been known for some time that the consumption of processed meats is not conducive to human health. Researchers have now discovered that eating processed meat also promotes mental illness.

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have discovered in their current research that the consumption of processed meat can lead to manic episodes. The experts published the results of their study in the English magazine "Molecular Psychiatry".

Examen of more than 1000 subjects

The study involved more than 1000 volunteers, including those with mental disorders. The doctors found that people consuming processed meat had to go to the hospital three and a half times more often because of mania. When manic episodes occur, those affected become overactive, euphoric and often have sleep problems. In general, they do not feel sick, but they are particularly powerful. Affected by these manic episodes are about one or two people out of 100 people, experts say. For example, Hollywood actress Carrie Fisher (Star Wars) suffered manic episodes before disappearing in 2016.

Nitrates affect the brain and intestinal bacteria

Manic episodes are part of A bipolar disorder formerly known as manic depression has been designated. Eating processed meat seems to increase the risk of manic episode. Nitrates, which are used as preservatives for meat, affect the brain and intestinal bacteria of humans. And in people with bipolar disorder, higher levels of nitric oxide could be detected in the blood, say the researchers.

Changing Diets Could Help Patients

Future research on this association could lead to dietary interventions to reduce manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder, the author of the study Dr. Robert Yolken from Johns Hopkins University. This also applies to people particularly sensitive to manic episodes

Nitrate-induced mania in rats in a few weeks

To test the effects of nitrates, US researchers added nitrates to rat diets. showed signs of mania after only a few weeks. In the human study, researchers at Johns Hopkins University asked participants to consume dried and processed meat. Subjects were required to provide information on their consumption of meat and / or dried turkey and beef meats, as well as on the consumption of prosciutto and salami. Salami and prosciutto can not be associated with mania.

Where can we find nitrates?

Meat and Jerky Sticks are popular snacks in the United States, rich in nitrates. In addition, nitrates are also used as preservatives in some sausages and can be found in bacon and hamburgers. Nitrates altered intestinal bacteria in the rat and were clearly associated with mental health problems, the researchers report. It has been followed by evidence that when people with bipolar disorder take probiotics, they rarely have to be hospitalized at the hospital, the researchers continue to report.

Is smoked meat particularly harmful? According to the author of the study, Seva Khambadkone of Johns Hopkins University, state and genetic vulnerabilities and environmental factors are likely to be involved in the study. onset and severity of bipolar disorder and associated manic episodes. The findings suggest that nitrated salted meat could be an important factor in the cause of mania, adds the expert. A number of different dietary exposures have been studied and the smoked meat has been truly exceptional. Yolken continues. In addition, processed meat is also known to increase the risk of colorectal cancer. (As)