Ultra-Processed Foods May Speed Up Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease, Study Finds

Eating too much ultra-processed food may “be speeding up early signs of Parkinson’s disease,” a new study finds.

Researchers say people who consume high amounts of foods like hot dogs, breakfast cereals and sugary sodas are more likely to have signs of prodromal Parkinson’s disease … which is the earliest stage before classic motor symptoms like tremors and stiffness begin.

The study included nearly 43,000 healthy adults who  were followed for up to 26 years. The participants had regular medical exams, completed health questionnaires and filled out food diaries every two to four years.

After calculating their daily intake of ultra-processed foods, the researchers looked for signs of early Parkinson’s including sleep disturbances, depressive symptoms, body pain, impaired color vision, reduced ability to smell and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Participants who ate 11 or more servings of ultra-processed foods per day were two-and-a-half times more likely to have three or more early signs of Parkinson’s compared to those who consumed less than three servings per day. 

The researchers stress the study does not prove that eating more ultra-processed foods causes early signs of Parkinson’s disease; it only shows an association.

The lead author says while  more research is needed, “Choosing to eat fewer processed foods and more whole, nutritious foods could be a good strategy for maintaining brain health.”

Article by HealthDayTV on healthday.com

Mortgage Mike servicing all your Reverse Mortgage needs along the Treasure Coast, Martin and Palm Beach County and all of Florida!

Stuart, Jensen Beach, Port St. Lucie, Palm Beach County and more!