It’s no secret that fast food is unhealthy. But what most people don’t know is the extent to which fast food can damage your health. Eating too much fast food can lead to various health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Fast food contains unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar, and it’s very easy to overeat. If you want to stay healthy, it’s important to avoid eating too much fast food. This article will take a deeper look at some of the negative repercussions of fast food.
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Heart Disease
The negative repercussions of fast food go far past the initial “unhealthy” feeling it leaves you with. Eating too much fast food can eventually lead to heart disease, the most common form of cardiovascular disease. Fast food is high in unhealthy fats and sodium, increasing your risk for heart disease. Research has shown that a diet high in saturated fats can raise your “bad” LDL cholesterol levels. Additionally, a high sodium diet is associated with increased blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Obesity
Research has shown a strong connection between obesity and fast food. Eating too much high-calorie and low-nutrient fast food can have disastrous effects on your waistline. The average American now eats about three hamburgers a week, double the amount eaten in previous decades. For some perspective, consider that Americans will consume nearly 50 billion burgers this year. Studies have shown that children born after the year 2000 have a one in three chance of being obese and that over half of Americans are now considered overweight or obese.
Diabetes
One of the most noticeable negative repercussions of fast food is diabetes. Nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes, and 86 million have pre-diabetes. What is so scary about this statistic is that 90 to 95 percent of all type 2 diabetes cases are preventable through a healthy diet and exercise. Fast food is high in sugar, salt, and fat which are all risk factors for diabetes. A diet that is high in sugar causes increased insulin resistance, which will decrease your body’s ability to produce enough insulin to maintain a normal blood sugar level.
Reduced Energy Levels
Another common negative of fast food is that it reduces energy levels. A diet high in fat and sugar will leave you feeling tired and lethargic because your body must work overtime to break these foods down into simple sugars. Fast food is also high in calories which can cause blood sugar swings and leave you feeling exhausted if you do not pick up your blood sugar levels quickly enough.
Respiratory Issues
Eating fast food can cause respiratory problems if you eat it too often. Foods high in salt and chemical preservatives like sodium benzoate (found in most fast foods) can lead to chronic sinusitis, a painful inflammation of the sinuses. Fast food also contains high levels of chemical additives, which can cause asthma or other respiratory problems over time. This is especially true for people who already suffer from respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies.
Aching Muscles
Eating too much fast food can cause aching muscles because it lacks the nutrients your body needs to maintain health, heal itself, and create energy. Most fast-food meals are low in nutrients and high in calories which do not provide the amino acids needed to repair muscles, fight off illness, and make energy. Consuming too little healthy protein can lead to muscle wasting and chronic fatigue as your body breaks down its own tissues for energy.
Mental Health Issues
Many people who suffer from eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia often report that they feel compelled to eat fast food, especially when feeling stressed or anxious. This can be due to the high levels of sugar and fat, which cause a temporary “high” in your brain; this is why some people experience symptoms of depression after consuming too many high-fat foods. Excessive dopamine in the brain is also known to cause fatigue, depression, and anxiety as your neurons become overwhelmed by too much stimulation.
Acne and Other Skin Problems
Fast food is high in preservatives and low in nutrients, which can cause all kinds of skin problems like acne, dryness, or oily skin over time. Fast foods lack the antioxidants your body needs to fight free radicals; these are unstable particles that attach themselves to healthy cells and alter their function. When you eat fast food too often, your body is constantly trying to use antioxidants to fight off free radicals, which cause premature aging of the skin.
Conclusion
Fast food is a significant problem in today’s society for many reasons. It contains huge amounts of calories and toxic chemicals that can lead to poor health if eaten too often. The negatives associated with fast food make it a poor choice for daily consumption; eating healthy is the best way to ensure good physical and mental health as an adult. Fast food should be eaten in moderation and only on occasion; the best way to get all the nutrients you need is from fresh vegetables, fruits, and lean meats.
