Fast foods are food that are prepared quickly and eaten quickly, delivered or taken out. Though there are a growing number of healthier fast food choices, most fast food can still be classified as junk food.
Fast foods often contain too little nutrition and too many calories. If fast food is a regular component of your diet, you might find yourself struggling with health issues and weight problems.
This is Your Body on Fast Food:
1. Effects on Your Cardiovascular and Digestive Systems
Most fast food, including sides and drinks, are filled with carbohydrates with little to zero fiber. And when your digestive system breaks down these foods, the carbohydrates are released as glucose or sugar into your bloodstream. Therefore, your blood sugar increases.
Your pancreas responds to that surge in glucose by releasing insulin. Insulin then transports sugar throughout your body, and into cells that need it for energy. As your body stores or uses the sugar, your blood sugar returns to normal.
This blood sugar process is being regulated by your body, and if you are healthy, your organs can properly handle these sugar spikes.
But frequent consumption of high amounts of carbohydrates can lead to repeated spikes in your blood sugar. In time, these insulin spikes can cause your body’s normal insulin response to falter. The reuslt is this increases your risk for type 2 diabetes, weight gain and insulin resistance.
2. Effects on Your Central Nervous System
Fast food may satisfy your hunger in the short term, but the long-term results are less positive.
People who consume processed pastries and fast food are 51% more likely to develop depression, as compared to people who do not eat those foods or eat very few of them.
3. Effects on Your Integumentary System (Hair, Skin, Nails)
The foods you consume may impact your skin’s appearance, but, it might not be the foods you suspect.
Greasy foods and chocolates including pizza have taken the blame for acne breakouts,
In the past, but, as per the Mayo Clinic, it is carbohydrates. Carbohydrates-rich foods lead to blood sugar spikes, and these sudden increase in blood sugar levels may trigger acne. Find out what foods help fight acne.
People who consume fast food at least 3x a week are also more likely to develop eczema, according to a study. Eczema is a skin condition which causes irritated patches of inflamed, and itchy skin.
4. Effects on Your Reproductive System
The ingredients in fast foods may have a negative impact on your fertility.
A study reported that processed food contains phthalates. Phthalates are known to be chemicals that can interrupt how hormones act in your body. Exposure to these high levels chemicals could lead to reproductive issues, including birth defects.
5. Effects on Your Respiratory System
The excess calories resulting from fast-food meals consumption can cause weight gain. This can lead to obesity, and obesity can increase your risk for asthma, shortness of breath and other respiratory problems.
These extra pounds can put pressure on your lungs, heart and symptoms may show up even with little exertion. Also, you may notice difficulty breathing when you are exercising, climbing stairs, and walking.
For children, the risk of respiratory problems is clear. A study reported that children who consume fast food at least 3x a week are more likely to develop asthma.
6. Effects on Your Skeletal System (Bones)
Sugar and carbohydrates in processed food and fast food can increase acids in your mouth. These acids can break down your tooth enamel. As tooth enamel disappears, bacteria can take hold, therefore, cavities may develop.
Also, obesity can lead to complications with muscle mass and bone density. Obese people have a greater risk for breaking bones and falling.
It is very important to keep exercising to build muscles, that support your bones, and also to maintain a healthy diet to minimize bone loss.
Sources:
Healthline
Educateinspirechange.org
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