Microplastics in junk food may be making you depressed: study
Share this @internewscast.com

More like discomfort food.

Four new studies, published recently in the journal Brain Medicine, have uncovered a troubling association between microplastics, ultra-processed foods (UPFs), and mental health concerns.

UPFs, often deemed unhealthy due to their high content of added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium, encompass items like soft drinks, chips, chocolate, ice cream, processed meats, many ready-to-eat meals, and various mass-produced cereals.

While prior research indicated that individuals consuming UPFs face a significantly elevated risk of depression, anxiety, and poor sleep, the potential contribution of microplastics to these mental health issues has yet to be thoroughly investigated.

UPFs are more susceptible to microplastics than other foods due to their packaging and additives and the equipment used to process them.

As an example, the researchers pointed to chicken nuggets — which reportedly contain 30 times more microplastics per gram than chicken breasts.

“We’re seeing converging evidence that should concern us all,” Dr. Nicholas Fabiano, a psychiatry resident at the University of Ottawa in Canada, said in a statement.

“Ultra-processed foods now comprise more than 50% of energy intake in countries like the United States, and these foods contain significantly higher concentrations of microplastics than whole foods,” he added. “Recent findings show these particles can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in alarming quantities.”

This could potentially even explain the recent bombshell news that our brains might contain an entire “spoonful” of microplastics.

“This hypothesis is particularly compelling because we see remarkable overlap in biological mechanisms,” said Dr. Wolfgang Marx, a senior research fellow at Deakin University’s Food & Mood Centre in Australia.

“Ultra-processed foods have been linked to adverse mental health through inflammation, oxidative stress, epigenetics, mitochondrial dysfunction and disruptions to neurotransmitter systems,” he continued. “Microplastics appear to operate through remarkably similar pathways.”

While further research is needed on the purported link between microplastics and mental health — the current evidence is alarming.

“As the levels of ultra-processed foods, microplastics and adverse mental health outcomes simultaneously rise, it is imperative that we further investigate this potential association,” Fabiano said. “After all, you are what you eat.”

How to reduce your exposure to microplastics

  • Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers: This can release millions of microplastic particles into your food.
  • Use glass or metal containers: These are safer for food storage and preparation.
  • Limit consumption of UPFs: Opt for whole, unprocessed foods when possible.
  • Filter tap water: This can help reduce microplastic ingestion.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Colombia’s president muses about getting 'rid of' Trump amid drug feud

Colombian President Contemplates Action Against Trump Amid Ongoing Drug Dispute

WASHINGTON — In a startling interview, Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro voiced provocative…
Hamas transfers coffin of dead hostage to Israel, IDF confirms

Hamas Returns Deceased Hostage’s Coffin to Israel, Confirms IDF

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Monday that a coffin containing…
Crypto Scam warning: North Carolina man's account drained of $80,00 after he clicked on a link for a virtual meeting

Beware: North Carolina Resident Loses $80,000 to Crypto Scam After Clicking Virtual Meeting Link

Kenneth Nicholson, a Durham, North Carolina native, is deeply immersed in the…
Soros-backed blue city DA under fire after freeing suspect tied to Miss USA hopeful’s death

Controversy Erupts: Soros-Backed DA Faces Backlash for Release Linked to Miss USA Hopeful’s Tragic Death

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner is under intense scrutiny after the arrest…
Missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard spotted earlier this month, mom not cooperating: Sheriff

Sheriff: Missing 9-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard Recently Sighted; Mother Uncooperative in Investigation

In California, authorities are diligently searching for Melodee Buzzard, a 9-year-old girl…
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson discuses budget plan, lawsuit against President Donald Trump

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Outlines Budget Strategy and Addresses Lawsuit Against Former President Donald Trump

CHICAGO (WLS) — Mayor Brandon Johnson has introduced a $16.6 billion budget…
The Government Shutdown Brings an Opportunity to Reimagine FEMA, but Rogue Employees Seek Its Demise

Government Shutdown Sparks Debate: Reimagining FEMA Amidst Internal Sabotage Threats

On the eve of nationwide “No Kings” protests, a group of discontented…
Man who sent 'So I raped you' message to New Jersey woman sentenced for 2013 Gettysburg College campus assault

New Jersey Woman’s Assailant Sentenced for 2013 Campus Assault Following Disturbing Message

A man who admitted to sexually assaulting a woman in college in…
The time is now to unleash Jaxson Dart on your fantasy football league

Now is the Moment to Introduce Jaxson Dart to Your Fantasy Football Lineup

The Denver Broncos’ thrilling comeback against the New York Giants on Sunday…
Source of 'UFO' panic, drone mystery claims responsibility for frenzy: report

Mystery Solved: Drone Operator Admits Responsibility for Recent UFO Panic

A private aerial contractor has stepped forward to claim responsibility for the…
'No Kings' agitator vowed to ‘fight ICE’ with firebombs at blue city's protest: report

Anti-ICE Protest in Blue City Escalates as ‘No Kings’ Activist Allegedly Plots Firebomb Attack

In a tense and dramatic turn of events, a man from upstate…
Sanae Takaichi becomes Japan’s first female prime minister, citing Thatcher inspiration

Sanae Takaichi Makes History as Japan’s First Female Prime Minister, Drawing Inspiration from Margaret Thatcher

As the United Kingdom recently commemorated the centenary of Margaret Thatcher’s birth,…