Elizabeth Simkus, a nurse practitioner with the RUSH Prevention Center, has expressed concern over the high consumption of ultra-processed foods among adolescents and children. To identify these foods, she suggests checking the ingredients. These typically contain hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, flavor enhancers, and additives. Packaged snacks, cereals, cookies and fast food are common sources of these ingredients.
Recent research published in the British Medical Journal has linked high consumption of ultra-processed foods to adverse health outcomes such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, certain cancers and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Simkus advises individuals to gradually eliminate some of these foods from their diets by starting with one type of food at a time.
She recommends choosing whole foods like fruits, vegetables and lean proteins whenever possible and paying close attention to nutrition labels on packaged foods. By being mindful of ingredient labels and making small changes to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods, individuals can significantly improve their health outcomes.
