How Fast Food Destroys Your Digestive System

Often, fast food contains a lot of calories and very little nutrition. This is why many individuals face numerous health problems when they include fast food in their daily diet. It is a common conception that all fast food must be bad, as there are some healthier options; but in reality, the highly processed nature of fast foods is what negatively impacts an individual’s health.

For instance, frequent spikes in blood sugar and the resistance of insulin are two very common side effects of consuming lots of junk food. These processes occur when the digestive system your body is not working effectively. The normal process is as follows:

• Carbohydrates are broken down into simple molecules such as glucose and are released into the bloodstream
• Next, the pancreas releases a hormone called insulin that attaches to signal cells to absorb sugar from the bloodstream
• If the blood sugar level is too low, the pancreas releases glucagon to tell the liver to start making use of stored sugars [1].

When this system is frequently interrupted with spikes in blood sugar, the consequences may lead to the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Furthermore, the high sodium content common in fast foods could also affect cardiovascular health. Sodium can contribute to “existing high blood pressure and enlarged heart muscle” [1]. In addition, trans-fats, which are also found in fast foods in abundance, contribute to increasing LDL cholesterol levels. This is often noted as the “bad” cholesterol and is harmful to an individual’s cardiovascular health.

[1] The Effects of Fast Food on the Body. Pietrangelo, Ann and Carey, Elea. Healthline. Retrieved From: https://www.healthline.com/health/fast-food-effects-on-body