According to a recent University of Michigan National Poll on Health Aging, 44% of Americans over 50 have at least one sign of an addiction to highly processed food.
13 percent of adults (8%) have met the criteria for being addicted to highly processed foods.
What are Highly Processed Foods?
Highly processed food is one that has been subject to numerous chemical and mechanical processes in order to enhance its taste, texture, and shelf-life. These foods often contain high levels of added sugars, salt, fat, and other nutrients.
Some common examples of highly processed foods are:
- candy
- soda
- fast food
- packaged snacks
- Store-Buy Pastries
- frozen meals
Addiction To Highly Processed Foods
An addiction to food can take many forms, including extreme cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and inability to reduce intake. This survey found that women aged 50-64 were twice as likely to have a food addiction than men.
Adults who rated themselves as having fair or poor mental or physical health were more likely than others to fall into the addiction category. It was also revealed that people who feel isolated from others are more likely to become addicted to high-processed food.
Eating Disorders and Highly Processed Food
Highly processed foods have intense flavors that are designed to be appealing to the senses.
Research shows that high-processed foods may trigger the same reward centres in the brain as drugs of addiction, leading to compulsive eating and cravings.
Food addiction may also be caused by the effects of processed foods on the microbiome. Recent research shows that eating a lot of processed foods can affect the gut microbiome and cause dysbiosis. This is a condition where there is an imbalance in gut bacteria. Inflammation can cause dysbiosis, which can be linked to many chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions.
It is possible that the gut brain axis could play a role with food addiction. The gut microbiome communicates with the brain via the vagus nerve. This can influence mood, appetite, behavior, and even mood.
Helpful Tips For Eating Better
These are some tips to improve your relationship with food.
- Mindful eating is about paying attention to the tastes, textures, and smells of what you eat. Slow down and enjoy every bite.
- Learn how to cook more at home. You can control the quality of the ingredients and the quantity.
- Increase intake of whole, nutritious foods. Whole food such as fruits, vegetables and lean protein provide vital nutrients that are missing in highly processed foods.
- Try to find healthier ways of stress relief. These foods can be used to help you cope with other problems in your life. Mindfulness, exercise, journaling and creative art can help reduce stress and help you avoid temptations.
- Get support: Talk to your family, friends, and therapists about eating disorders.
Many Americans are affected by addiction to highly processed foods. Addiction to highly processed foods can have serious consequences for your mental and physical health. It is therefore important to recognize the problem and take steps to improve your relationship to food.
