How Processed Food Interacted With My Rare Disease

Read time 6 minutes

This blog is another opportunity to feel grateful. Thank you, Universe, for continuing to bless me with recovery and health.

Is it true that iconic foods like some Hamburgers are designed not to age at all? Let’s find out…

What is a crazy coincidence?

Unapologetically enjoying a greasy pack of my favourite burger with rich toppings. And boom!!

My phone beeps with a notification that a McDonald’s burger survives for years without aging. Suddenly, the entire over-the-top deliciousness turns into a nasty one.

Is it possible that a burger could resist spoilage and have an unexpected shelf life?

David Whipple purchased a McDonald’s hamburger in 1999. He forgot the burger in his coat pocket and discovered it looking relatively fresh even after years.

The news sparked curiosity about the use of food preservatives and fast-food ingredients.

In today’s fast-paced world, we are surrounded by chemicals in almost everything we consume. From the food we eat to the products we use; synthetic chemicals have become a dominant force in our lives.

But have you ever wondered about the impact of these synthetic chemicals on your health?

In this blog post, we will explore the dangers of regularly having ultra-processed food and how making simple changes can lead to a healthier lifestyle.

My Health Experience with Ultra-Processed Food

In 2016, I was diagnosed with a rare disease called Isaacs’ Syndrome. Isaacs’ is a neuromuscular health condition that stems from muscle hyperactivity. In the process, I also discovered that I had Lyme disease. Lyme is a bacterial illness that gets transmitted through ticks.

Glaucoma also accompanied me. Glaucoma is an eye-related disease that damages the optic nerves. And Membranous Glomerulonephritis is a progressive kidney disease. I faced tremendous issues with my gut, stomach acid, and digestive enzymes. During my journey, I also developed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diabetes, Frozen Shoulder, Eczema and Blood Pressure.

Ultra-processed foods have become quite common in our diets, and I was no different. I lived a fast-paced life which had both positive and negative effects on health. For me, life involved multitasking, stress levels, and prioritizing work. Also, less physical activity, compromised sleep, and above all poor nutrition choices. It is important to note that everyone’s tolerance for a fast-paced life varies.

Constant consumption of harmful chemicals can have detrimental effects on our bodies. And especially for those with pre-existing health conditions.

I was strictly instructed to stay clear of ultra-processed foods to aid my recovery. For me, consuming ultra-processed food did cause further health complications. It also played a negative role in disease management:

1. Due to various ailments, my appetite became limited and negatively impacted my gut health.
2. In Ayurveda, ultra-processed foods have a direct correlation with worsening rare and chronic health conditions.
3. They aggravate Inflammation which could further add to health problems.
4. Generally during illness our body requires necessary vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients. These foods have poor nutritional quality.
5. Such foods are associated with an increase in weight. I had to keep my weight in check due to diabetes, lower back pain, and associated problems.

I was advised to have easy-to-digest foods to improve my gastrointestinal and related issues. These foods are gentle on the stomach and can help bloating, and acid reflux.

Understanding This a Little Better

Any food that is made to change its natural state is called ‘Processed food’.

Altering food’s natural state could include it being cleaned, cut, and chopped. Also, heated, frozen, pasteurized, cooked, packaged, and adding food additives, flavours, etc.

There are different kinds of processing, from minimally to ultra-processed food.

Ultra-processed foods are industrial creations. Among our favourites from this list are cookies, chips, popcorn, bread, and ice creams. Typically:

1. These foods are highly processed with added sugar, salt, and additives. It gets quite difficult to stay away from them.
2. They lack basic nutrients, like key vitamins and minerals.
3. They are responsible for unhealthy weight with compromised energy levels.
4. Responsible for chronic problems like Type 2 diabetes and bad cholesterol levels.
5. They disturb the metabolic rate.
6. Some ultra-processed foods contain preservatives, additives, and artificial colors. Although it is under scientific scanner, but it is believed that long-term consumption of these harmful substances increases the risk of certain cancers.
7. They may negatively impact gut health.
8. Some research suggests that long-term consumption of such foods can cause mental health issues.

Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle

In today’s world, it is almost impossible to avoid processed food. It has become a part of our daily diet and is an inexpensive source.

I had little idea that constant use of these eatables in large quantities could even cause chronic ailments.

By being mindful of the chemicals is taking a proactive call towards a healthier lifestyle. To reduce the negative impact of synthetic chemicals on my health, I considered making some simple changes:

1. I make a conscious effort to check the labels before any purchase. Being mindful in this aspect is a wise practice and helps an informed decision. It ensures that I am aware of the ingredients, and nutritional information. It is my contribution towards a healthier lifestyle.
2. I opt for organic and whole foods, if possible. They are less likely to contain harmful chemicals.
3. I try to minimize or avoid the use of products that contain synthetic ingredients. Includes, added sugar, texturing agents, flavour enhancers, sodium nitrate, and nitrite. Also, artificial colours, trans fats, and refined carbs.
4. I prefer staying away from some harmful chemicals. Includes L cysteine, bisphenol A, and similar compounds. Also, polyisobutylene, carmine, phthalates, castoreum, perchlorate, bisphenols such as BPA, etc.
5. Typically, I say no to fast food and keep healthy snacks handy.
6. Prefer home-cooked food.
7. Prefer fresh rather than canned food.
8. Soak fruits and vegetables in a bit of baking soda or vinegar before use.
9. Prefer the use of glass jars instead of plastic for kitchen spices etc
10. We have gone too far in consuming food items prepared with low-cost ingredients in the form of ultra-processed food. Yet, it’s not too late to educate ourselves and stop compromising the health of our loved ones.

The Importance of Awareness

It is crucial to be aware of the presence of synthetic chemicals in our environment and the potential risks they pose to our health. Educating ourselves and making informed choices can protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Remember, small changes can make a big difference in living a healthier life.

In my experience, the initial shift was quite difficult as my body was used to a particular eating pattern. Therefore, I was suggested to make informed changes slowly.

I realized making a slow change was more sustainable and effective. It gave me enough time to choose from the available options and not compromise on my taste buds.

My doctor once told me something insightful when I was discussing how difficult it is to shift food patterns.

said ”Nutrition is the key factor that determines the activity of genes and human health”.

Genes are the code for almost everything in our body. The dormant ones do not have any effect and determine diseases on their own when activated.

Conclusion

Consuming Ultra-processed foods can pose serious risks to our health, especially for those with underlying health conditions. By being mindful of the facts and making simple changes to our lifestyle, we can take control of our health and well-being.

Let this blog post serve as a reminder to beware of the dangers of ultra-processed foods. Let’s together make healthier choices for ourselves and our loved ones.

 DISCLAIMER

The views expressed above in this article are the author’s own and do not represent any kind of medical advice.