What is junk food really doing to your mental health?

YOLANTHE FAWEHINMI TALKS TO THE EXPERTS TO GET SOME ANSWERS

ULTRA-PROCESSED foods (UPFs) and the negative impact they can have on our health has been a big topic lately.

Now, a new study has linked consuming higher amounts of UPFS typically things like ready-meals, sugary cereals and fizzy drinks with poorer mental health.

The research, published in The BMJ, suggested consuming higher amounts of this type of food - which is usually high in fat, sugar, salt and chemical colourings, sweeteners and preservatives - was associated with a higher risk of anxiety and depression.

Academics in Australia analysed 14 review articles over the last three years which associated UPFS with poor health outcomes, involving data from 9.9 million people.

Among the findings, there was "convincing evidence" higher UPF intake was associated with a 48-53% greater chance of developing anxiety, and "highly suggestive" evidence of a 22% greater risk of developing depression.

So, how exactly does junk food affect your mental health? Experts reveal what you need to know...

Why do we like UPFs/junk food?

"These ultra-processed foods are void of nutritional value, but full of instant satisfaction," says Dr Ishani Rao, NHS GP and doctor at Plant-Based Health Professionals UK.

"These foods do often trigger an immediate hit of dopamine, but this has the consequence of increasing future cravings and stimulating addiction."

However, the sense of satisfaction might be short-lived.

Dr Rao says people might experience a 'crash' after a junk food meal - a neurochemical process similar to a 'come-down.

"Studies have shown that this can cause irritability, brain fog and fatigue, and can trigger inflammatory pathways that affect the brain, as well as triggering physical conditions," she explains. "These foods often fill us up quickly, so it can be easy to ignore the fact that we do need to eat fruit and vegetables and healthy carbohydrates, too."