Lifestyle for Healthy Feet

Processed Food: A Hidden Driver of Modern Illnesses?

Written by

Anna Lasota

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The Modern Diet – Fast, Cheap, but Dangerous?

In a world where convenience often dictates our food choices, ultra-processed food has become a staple in many diets. However, emerging evidence suggests that these products—though affordable and long-lasting—could pose serious risks to our health.

What Is Processed or Ultra-Processed Food?

Processed food refers to products that have been significantly altered from their natural state. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) typically contain:

  • Artificial sweeteners (e.g., aspartame)
  • Flavor enhancers (e.g., MSG)
  • Emulsifiers and stabilizers
  • Genetically modified soy protein
  • Refined vegetable oils
  • Preservatives, colorants, and synthetic additives

Common examples include: packaged snacks, fast food, instant soups, sweetened beverages, deli meats, and soy-based meat substitutes.

Key Health Risks Associated with Processed Food

🧬 Cancer Risk

A large-scale British study published in The Lancet found a clear correlation between the intake of ultra-processed food and the risk of developing various cancers, especially in middle-aged adults.

Reference: Fiolet, T. et al. (2018). Consumption of ultra-processed foods and cancer risk: results from NutriNet-Santé prospective cohort. BMJ, 360, k322. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k322

🌱 Gut Health and Autoimmune Concerns

Genetically modified soy proteins contain immune-reactive globulins that may damage the intestinal lining, increasing permeability (“leaky gut”), disturbing the microbiome, and raising the risk of autoimmune disorders.

Reference: Rezaie, A., Buresi, M., Lembo, A., et al. (2017). Hydrogen sulfide in gastrointestinal diseases. Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 62(9), 2241–2257. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-017-4626-2

🧠 Neurotoxic Effects

Additives like aspartame and MSG (monosodium glutamate) have been associated with:

  • Headaches and dizziness
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases

Reference: Walton, R. G. (1996). Adverse reactions to aspartame: Double-blind challenge in patients from a vulnerable population. Biological Psychiatry, 40(8), 578–582.

Reference: Olney, J. W. (1994). Excitotoxins in foods. Neurotoxicology, 15(3), 535–544.

🔥 Oxidative Stress from Heated Oils

Foods fried in vegetable oils release toxic aldehydes and acrylamide, which damage mitochondria, reduce energy production, and increase the risk of cancer.

Reference: Zhang, Y., & Zhang, G. (2007). Formation and mitigation of acrylamide in heat-processed foods. Journal of Food Science, 72(6), R174–R183.

🧪 Additives and Functional Ingredients

Transglutaminase (“meat glue”) and food colorants are commonly used to improve texture or appearance. However, they may create novel protein structures that are poorly digested and unrecognized by the immune system.

Reference: Gianferri, R., et al. (2021). Transglutaminase: A review of enzymatic properties and food applications. Foods, 10(12), 3086. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10123086

Why It Matters

  • Long-term consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with higher mortality, obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and mental health disorders.
  • Children, the elderly, and people with chronic illness are most vulnerable to the effects of artificial food chemicals.
  • Nutrient absorption, hormone balance, fertility, cognitive development, and immune function can all be impaired.

Reference: Monteiro, C. A., et al. (2019). Ultra-processed foods: what they are and how to identify them. Public Health Nutrition, 22(5), 936–941. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980018003762

What You Can Do

✔ Choose whole, unprocessed foods
✔ Cook more meals at home
✔ Read ingredient labels carefully
✔ Avoid products with long, unrecognizable ingredient lists
✔ Prioritize quality protein sources, healthy fats, and fiber

Final Thoughts

Ultra-processed foods may offer convenience and low cost, but they come at a significant price to your health. The science is clear: what you eat shapes your long-term well-being. Make informed choices to protect your body and brain.

🧠 Real food fuels real health.

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