Taste or Health? (Part 3)
Written by Tanny PC
Can We Turn a Deaf Ear Toward Fast Food?
Despite being aware of the long-term health consequences (such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular issues, cancer, and mental problems) of eating fast food regularly, we still experience a ‘brain fog’ (or become excited) while choosing a meal from the elaborate menu at a fast-food restaurant. We overlook the salads and ultimately end up buying a calorie-dense takeaway meal. Why does it happen? Is it so difficult to choose a healthy diet for an active lifestyle and a sustainable planet?
What happens to our body when we consume fast food regularly?
“Fast food is popular because it's convenient, it's cheap, and it tastes good. But the real cost of eating fast food never appears on the menu.” (Eric Schlosser - American journalist)
Well, to justify it, let’s consider these two scenarios: You are tired and hungry after a hectic day at work, but you don’t want (or like) to cook. Or, say, you are in a bad mood, and you think that some ‘sweet treats’ will calm you down - so what do you do?
Aahhhhh!!! You go to your pantry – grab your cookie jar – and indulge in some cookies. Or call a restaurant and order food of your choice from their menu. Or open your refrigerator, grab the cheesecake, relax on your couch, and relish that yummy piece. So, tasty, right? That satisfying look on your face says it all!
Are you ‘high’ on ‘dopamine’?
Let me explain to you the ‘aftereffects’ of your actions:
As soon as the smell of fast food hits your nose, it ignites the pleasure center of your brain. Mind you, at this moment, our willpower, self-control, and knowledge (which are responsible for taking the ‘right’ decisions of not contemplating your health) put their ‘logical reasoning-cancellation’ headphones ON (not literally though)! When the food reaches your palate, the ‘reward circuits’ within your brain become overwhelmed by these rewarding foods. In response, it releases a pleasure chemical ‘dopamine.’ Thus, the more you are addicted to fast foods, the more will be the production of dopamine in your body, and the more happier and fuller you will feel. Excess dopamine receptors in your body give you tolerance to dopamine, and your brain starts to downsize dopamine production to maintain a balance. Now, with fewer dopamine receptors, you start to feel unhappy unless you get a ‘junk-food fix’ again. Even though there was no biological need for calories at this time, your body gets confused, which leads to ‘withdrawal symptoms,’ and urges you to eat more - this makes you fatter and sicker.
A study conducted by Dr. Nicolette Sullivan (London School of Economics and Political Science) and Professor Scott Huettel (Duke University in North Carolina) found that it takes us half as long to decide how ‘tasty’ a food is compared to the time it takes to decide how ‘healthy’ it is. Dr. Sullivan added, “We also found that people who take longer to decide what to eat end up making more healthy choices. In fact, even those who generally make unhealthy choices will make the better choice when they take longer. This is because taking longer allows that slower-processed health information a chance to have a say.” (Nature Human Behaviour)
Have you ignored the whispers of your ‘gut microbiome?’
Another adverse reaction due to frequent fast-food consumption is seen in our gut. Our digestive system (stomach, small- and large intestines) is home to various microbes (bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses) that live harmoniously unless a subtle disturbance occurs in their balance, which causes dysbiosis, thereby stopping these normal interactions. This imbalance is caused by infectious illnesses, certain diets (fast food or processed foods), or the prolonged use of antibiotics or other bacteria-destroying medications. Our unique microbiome determines our genetics, energy production, and our mental health by facilitating communication and connection between us and the natural world (The Microbiome).
The cornerstone to achieving a healthy gut microbiome is to consume a diverse and nutritious plant-based diet rich in fiber, proteins, and pre- and probiotics (such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and legumes). Our gut bacteria feed on the fiber from our food after breaking them down into beneficial molecules. They assist our brain tissues in utilizing those nutrient molecules for cell division, food digestion, regulation of immune function, prevention of harmful bacteria from flourishing, and production of essential nutrients, which help in synthesizing over 200,000 unique vitamins and amino acids (ranging from detox enzymes to neurotransmitters). But, when we consume high-fat, high-sugar, and animal-derived fatty-food diets (fast food and processed foods), we starve these helpful bacteria of beneficial nutrients (such as fiber). This dysfunctional and unbalanced gut microbiome causes serious chronic diseases (such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes type II) and develops greater levels of destructive bacteria.
“The degradation of biodiversity in our soil is mirrored in that of our gut. When we start to use the intelligence of nature as our template for health and disease management, we open the capacity for more biologic resilience, faster regeneration, and a healthier future.” - Zach Bush, MD
Our diet helps regulate the gut microbiome, fat storage, and nutrient absorption in the body. Thus, a nutritious, plant-based diet could promote a ‘virtuous cycle’ of a mutually reinforcing healthy gut and immune system. It is high time that we realize that ‘Good food is the only medicine’ and that our food choices will maintain a ‘Cleaner and greener planet.’ The key takeaway thought here is that we should always choose ‘real’ over ‘processed’ foods. The more we stay close to nature for our diet and lifestyle, the better we stay healthy, think smart, and look and feel good. So, how can we choose a healthy diet from the vast available options for a sustainable lifestyle and planet?
Think Green, and Eat Clean! If you want to know more about how ‘plant-based food choices’ can help us to fulfill our dreams of creating a sustainable planet, please string long for the next post of this series!
