Ultra-processed food responsible for epidemic of intestinal diseases and joint degeneration

Ultra-processed food, ubiquitous in the daily diet, turns out to be one of the main drivers of modern civilization epidemics. The latest scientific reports and expert analyses link its consumption with a dramatic increase in cases of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The data is alarming – the number of people suffering from Crohn's disease has doubled in just the last two decades. The direct culprits of this phenomenon are additives commonly used in the food industry, primarily emulsifiers (e.g., E471) and phosphates. These substances, added in bulk to cold cuts, processed cheese spreads, sweets, sauces, and bread, destructively affect the natural mucosal barrier of the intestines and radically disrupt the balance of the intestinal microbiome. The division of food according to the degree of processing was popularized in 2009 by the NOVA classification, developed by a team led by Brazilian scientist Carlos Monteiro. It divides food products into four groups, with the last and most dangerous category including ultra-processed food, i.e., industrial products containing ingredients unavailable in home kitchens, such as hydrolyzed proteins, isolates, hydrogenated fats, maltodextrins, and a whole range of emulsifiers, colorings, and flavor enhancers. Damage to the intestinal barrier initiates the development of chronic, systemic inflammation, which can remain latent for years, only to finally manifest as serious ailments. Among them are atherosclerosis, strokes, some cancers, and type 2 diabetes, which is directly led to by insulin resistance caused by rapid glucose spikes after consuming products made from white, refined flour. The health effects extend far beyond the digestive system. Research confirms that a diet rich in ultra-processed food promotes the accumulation of intramuscular fat, particularly in the thigh area. This, in turn, significantly increases the mechanical load on the knee joints, accelerating their degeneration and raising the risk of osteoarthritis.2x — increase in Crohn's disease cases over 20 years Experts unequivocally point to specific product groups that should be strictly avoided. At the top of the blacklist are: white bread and rolls made from refined flour, all kinds of sweets and confectionery, processed meats (cold cuts, sausages), sweetened drinks, ready-made sauces, instant meals, and processed cheese spreads. The key strategy for protecting health is a return to a diet based on minimally processed products: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and good quality fats. According to specialists, giving up ultra-processed food is one of the most effective steps in preventing chronic diseases and an investment in long-term health.