Given the sudden spike in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cases in India (which has doubled in the past 30 years, according to the Global Burden of Disease Report), increased consumption of ultra-processed foods may be to blame. It seems that there is.
Increased intake of fatty and sugary foods, ultra-processed foods, and exposure to food additives are thought to be responsible for the rise in IBD numbers, says Chandi, who studies this link. said Dr. Vishal Sharma, Associate Professor, Department of Gastroenterology, PGIMER, Galle. A systematic review of nearly 1 million participants published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that high intakes of ultra-processed foods are associated with inflammatory disease, a type of IBD with chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It has been suggested that it may be related to the disease. From the stomach to the anus.
What are ultra-processed foods?
These are defined as industrially processed foods that are produced using one or more industrial processes or techniques. These may or may not include chemical modifications. Additives to improve flavor, appearance, and shelf life increase the energy density of foods at the expense of nutritional balance. These additives include dyes, stabilizers, flavor enhancers, emulsifiers, and defoamers. Ultra-processed foods are completely modified and contain high levels of unhealthy fats, refined sugars, and salt. Therefore, eating them leaves less room for more nutritious foods in your diet.
For example, when you eat a whole nut, your body absorbs less fat than when the nut is ground and the oil is released. All of this then affects the gut bacteria that are not used to these foods, causing them to change and cause inflammation.
How can I identify ultra-processed foods?
These foods are difficult to identify because the industrial techniques and processes involved in their production are not listed on the product label. Check for additives, colors, flavors, sweeteners, and emulsifiers.
What are the main concerns with increasing intake of ultra-processed foods?
Most ultra-processed foods are high in energy and contain no or only trace amounts of roughage. They have excess sugar and fat and are very low in protective fiber, protein, potassium, and phytoestrogens, the last key to our nervous system and reproductive health. Coupled with further lifestyle risk factors (sedentary habits, reduced physical activity), this becomes a source of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cancer, among others. It's the proverbial “primitive soup.” Increased intake of ultra-processed foods also appears to increase the risk of all-cause mortality.
How do ultra-processed foods affect your gut health?
Extensive research has shown that ultra-processed foods damage the healthy intestinal barrier that protects us from antigens. Increased intestinal permeability increases intestinal inflammation, which in turn increases the risk of gastrointestinal diseases such as IBD, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and colon cancer.
What are your recommendations for a diet plan to prevent or alleviate IBD?
Eat more fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Avoid eating out and avoid high carbohydrates and high fats. Food must be well cooked. Even packaged breakfast cereals and mass-produced breads are ultra-processed foods.
© Indian Express Private Limited
First upload date: May 17, 2024, 14:05 IST