Back in the day, before fast food and processed foods became staples in our diets, people didn’t struggle with weight as much as they do today. Our modern diets loaded with fast food and processed foods have altered our body shapes significantly. According to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), 34.3% of American children and adolescents obtain a large portion of their daily food intake from fast food restaurants. Americans spend around $1,200 on fast food every year, and it has become increasingly popular, with more than half of Americans (57%) aged 18-29 stating that they eat fast food at least once a week.
This begs the question: are fast food and processed foods contributing to the rise in chronic degenerative conditions, obesity, and other health issues like asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema? A recent study seems to suggest this is the case. The study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, took place over seven years, collecting data from 9,000 people and analyzing their fast food consumption habits. The researchers found that individuals who reported eating fast food within the past 24 hours had higher levels of several industrial chemicals in their bodies.
What Are These Chemicals?
The chemicals, called phthalates (pronounced “thal-ates”), are not found in nature but are commonly used in cosmetics, soaps, food packaging, flooring, and window blinds, among other products. The study’s authors believe that these chemicals leach into the food during the processing stage and from the vinyl gloves worn by food workers throughout the preparation process.
Phthalates are categorized as endocrine disruptors, which means they interfere with the normal functioning of our hormones. They are among a group of compounds now referred to as “obesogens” because of their association with obesity in both humans and animals and increased waist circumference and abdominal obesity.
The Hidden Dangers of Fast Food
Fast food is notorious for being loaded with chemical additives and preservatives, and the meat used has often been treated with synthetic growth hormones and antibiotics or comes from unhealthy and unnatural living conditions. Fast food burgers, for example, frequently contain more meat by-products and fillers than actual meat. One such product, termed “pink slime” by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, consists of beef trimmings and fat treated with ammonia. So, it’s not surprising that fast food consumption results in elevated levels of industrial chemicals in our bodies.
A diet high in processed and fast foods creates a condition called “acidosis.” Acidosis is an overly acidic state in the body (except for the stomach, which should be highly acidic) and is thought to be a major cause of disease that is often overlooked. Symptoms of acidosis may manifest as chronic degenerative diseases, including cancer, diabetes, arthritis, emphysema, arteriosclerosis, or heart disease.
Researchers from the NYU School of Medicine estimate that endocrine-disrupting chemicals cost the European Union approximately €163 billion ($236 billion) annually, or about 1.28% of the EU’s gross domestic product.
Breaking the Fast Food Addiction
Fast foods are not only harmful to our health but are also highly addictive, contributing to the growing burden on the healthcare industry. For optimal health, it’s essential to stay away from fast food and processed foods, as well as avoiding sugar or chemical sugar substitutes in our diet.
Instead, focus on consuming a diet rich in vegetables (ideally organic) and a small amount of free-range meat. By making these diet changes, you can significantly improve your overall health and avoid the potential dangers associated with fast food and processed food consumption.
