Junk food identified as a major factor behind life style generated disorders: Dr Purohit

Udaipur/New Delhi : The medical fraternity has identified junk food as a major factor behind the lifestyle generated physiological disorders and affecting functioning of hormones among young couples said Dr Naresh Purohit, Principal Investigator for Indian Medical Academy for Preventive Health.

Speaking to reporters here after addressing a seminar for the executives on the “Rising Incidence of Life Style Disorders” organised by the Udaipur based Indian Institute of Management , acclaimed Epidemiologist
Dr Purohit averred that the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, depression, eating disorders and type- 2 diabetes have been cited among disorders normally caused due to junk food in young girls.

“The irrational consumption of junk food is prone to cause physiological disorders in adolescents by interfering in the body’s natural hormone regulation.”he said

“ The majority of couples have admitted that their partners had been eating junk food on a regular basis,” said the renowned physician.

He stated that fast food breaks down quickly, causing a rapid spike in blood sugar because of the refined carbohydrates and added sugar. In turn, this causes an abnormally large
insulin surge, resulting in a drop in blood sugar. This can cause people to feel tired. Insulin promotes further hunger within a short time after the meal.

“A single serving of fast food could increase inflammation throughout the body. One fast food meal high in saturated fat increases airway inflammation in individuals with asthma. This inflammation acts as a trigger for asthma attacks.”he added

He pointed out that fast food is highly palatable, meaning the body breaks it down quickly in the mouth, and it does not need much chewing. Therefore, it activates the reward centers in the brain rapidly.
This combination trains the palate to prefer these highly processed, highly stimulating foods and reduces someone’s desire for whole, fresh foods.

He said that the junk food affects functioning of hormones by increasing inflammation in the body.

“High amount of sugar, additives and unhealthy fats put stress on adrenal glands and alter the bacterial growth in the gut. Thus, interfering with the body’s natural hormone regulation,” he explained

Experts revealed that fast food is typically poor in terms of nutrition. This type of food is high in sugar, salt, saturated or trans fats, and many processed, preservatives and ingredients. It also lacks some beneficial nutrients.
“However, not all fast food has negative impacts, and a person can make an informed choice by researching the nutritional content of particular fast food items.” they said.

*Dr. Naresh Purohit-MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an eminent Epidemiologist, Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state organizations.)

Dr.  Purohit is also Principal Investigator for the Association of Studies For Kidney Care.