Dodge Processed Food Damage with THIS Nutrient Hack

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted February 13, 2023

Dear Living Well Daily Reader,

Let’s face it, not one of us is a saint. We ALL cheat on our diet from time to time.

Now, I regularly warn folks about the dangers of eating processed foods.

But I’m no different than the next guy. Whether it’s because I’m traveling, having dinner out with friends, or some other special occasion, I sometimes indulge too.

Processed food’s biggest appeal is that they’re EASY to fix… or order. Plus, they often taste good too. (Although, for my money, fresh is still by far the tastiest.)

However, the convenience and cheap palette-pleasing thrills come with a hidden cost. A bunch of them, actually. Because overindulging in processed foods can do serious damage to your health.

But research has uncovered a solution of sorts.

It turns out there’s a way to shield your body from the harm these convenient foods can cause.

And best of all, you don’t have to transform into an energizer bunny who exercises ALL DAY LONG or pony up the cash for a pricey (and risky) prescription drug.

In fact, this nutrient solution is natural, cheap, and easy to get your hands on.

From hidden additives that send your blood sugar soaring to sneaky ingredients that encourage you to overeat and gain weight… there’s no doubt about it. Processed foods are bad news.

But perhaps worst of all is what they do to your mind.

Earlier research gives us an idea of what could be going on in your brain when you regularly give in to the convenience of processed foods. And I’ve got to warn you… it’s not pretty.

A regular diet of burgers, fries, and other ultra-refined foods could cause brain inflammation. And ultimately, that can lead to learning and memory problems.

But research published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity has uncovered a potential solution. Scientists found that omega-3 fatty acids can raise a “shield” that deflects some of the negative effects of processed foods.

When the researchers fed a group of young rats and a group of senior rats a processed food diet, it wasn’t long before the older rats were battling memory issues and skyrocketing inflammation levels.

But when the senior rats were given omega-3 fatty acids the adverse effects basically… POOF… disappeared!

Of course, this doesn’t mean we can just start downing fish oil supplements and eating whatever we want whenever we want. Omega-3s could never be a 100 percent shield against damage.

And remember, this was an animal study. So we need more research that includes humans.

But the results are still exciting, and there’s every reason to believe the omega-3s will provide some much-needed protection against processed foods for us too.

Load up on foods like salmon, eggs, pecans, walnuts, and grass-fed beef to boost your omega-3 fatty acid levels.

And for EXTRA protection, you can add in a daily fish oil supplement. Look for one with at least 250 to 500 mg combined EPA and DHA.

P.S. Omega-3s reduce heart and diabetes risks, improve cholesterol, and promote healthy blood flow. But researchers say the benefits don’t end there. CLICK HERE to find out how fish oil can ease chronic pain too.

SOURCE:

“Selective Reduction of Brain Docosahexaenoic Acid after Experimental Brain Injury and Mitigation of Neuroinflammatory Outcomes with Dietary DHA,” Current Research: Concussion 2017; 04(01): e38-e54, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1606836

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND