What happens to your body if you stop eating processed food for 30 days? | Life-style News

What do experts have to say?

Overconsumption of processed foods can become “a form of addiction” that will naturally trigger the body into thinking it needs more food to feel full, says Ms Veena V, Chief Clinical Dietician, Aster Whitefield Hospital.

Why’s that? Turns out, processed items contain additives and preservatives that have the power to alter “brain chemistry”. These items can include examples like corn syrup which Veena says, is “high in fructose” or monosodium glutamate (MSG), causing the food to feel more appealing, or “craving”.

Fast eating may link to unhealthy choices like junk food, leading to weight gain and metabolic syndrome.(Source: Freepik)

Your body begins detoxifying itself from these very additives when you stop the consumption for a prolonged period. You might also experience a few symptoms of withdrawal, says Veena, such as “headaches, irritability, and fatigue”, which subside over time.

Gradually, one may experience increased energy levels, better digestion, improved mood, and clearer skin. Taste buds also become more sensitive to natural flavors making fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods taste more delicious and satisfying. This break from processed foods can also lead to weight loss and reduced risk of chronic diseases, paving the way for a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

Preservatives and the artificial ingredients that are a part of processed foods often result in displacing good bacteria of the digestive system which in turn leads to constipation. It also contains inflammatory ingredients like trans fats and refined sugar which can cause hormonal imbalance and significantly affect one’s skin health including the development of acne.

A fibrous diet will promote a healthy digestive tract while the anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, fatty fish and nuts will lead to a glowing skin. Eating healthy will also contribute towards a good sleep cycle and long-term health benefits, including a lower risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Alternatives you can try instead

Cereal breakfasts are considered to be very unhealthy, as they contain a high amount of added sugar and artificial ingredients. Replacing them with oatmeal or muesli can benefit the diet.

Choosing brown rice in place of white rice, herbal tea instead of sodas, nut butter instead of regular butter, grilled and bake food replaced the fried ones and many others that act as great replacements for processed food. Dessert options like cakes can also be changed to ones that are made at home with better ingredients. Frozen yogurt can replace ice creams while being a better and tastier alternative. Making salad dressings at home is one of the best ways to take more control on the ingredients wherein more natural/healthy fats can be added while avoiding the preservatives that accompanies bottled salad dressings.