Shocking Study Will Have You Swearing Off Fries
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted June 11, 2023
Put down that fast food bag.
And step away from the French fries.
I promise, you’re going to want to read this BEFORE you take another bite.
Because those foods could be doing FAR worse than just adding to your muffin top and thunder thighs.
In fact, this new research might have you swearing off French fries forever.
A growing number of studies link poor diet to overall poor mental health.
That’s not a huge surprise. After all, ignoring your body’s nutritional needs for too long causes a cascade of diseases that, frankly, make you feel terrible.
But researchers decided to drill down even further to see if they could connect SPECIFIC foods to mental health issues. And what they found was a bit of a shock.
The team combed through data on 140,728 people, searching for links between the foods folks ate and their mental or emotional state.
After some careful number crunching, they found eating FRIED FOODS was associated with a significantly higher (seven to 12 percent) risk of depression and anxiety.
According to the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the WORST offender was French fries.
But it turns out the true culprit is a compound IN those fries called acrylamide. This processed food contaminant is formed when foods (especially potatoes) are fried.
In animal studies, acrylamide was linked to decreased sociability and increased anxiety and depression. And the compound’s effect on the brain is likely why.
The blood-brain barrier is a grouping of cells in the brain that acts as a guard, blocking out harmful substances. But acrylamide can open the barricade enough to slip through.
When this boundary fails, molecules that shouldn’t be there enter the brain, setting off inflammation. And brain inflammation is strongly linked to anxiety and depression.
This was an observational study, of course. So more research is needed to solidify this connection. But remember, where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire.
Lucky for us, the SOLUTION is simple. Avoid fried foods and steer clear of fried potatoes, such as French fries.
If you’re ALREADY battling depression or anxiety, you can give your brain a little extra support with the proper nutrients.
Following are my top suggestions:
- Magnesium: I generally recommend taking 400 mg of magnesium a day. Magnesium, isn’t just good for your brain either. This multitasking mineral is great for your heart and muscles too.
- Fish Oil: The brain needs good fats to function efficiently. Omega-3-rich fish oil is a natural inflammation fighter that supports brain, heart, and lung health.
- Fight Inflammation: The brain is especially susceptible to inflammation which can trigger depression. The herbs curcumin and bacopa naturally ease inflammation, supporting good brain health.
- Get good sleep: Prioritize sleep by aiming for at least eight hours of quality, uninterrupted sleep. For some folks, that can be a tall order. So if you have trouble with sleep, consider slumber-supporting melatonin or theanine.
- Exercise: When you’re feeling low, finding the motivation to exercise can be challenging. Push yourself to do something active every day anyway. Studies show exercise can ease depression.
P.S. No one is perfect all the time. So the next time you indulge in fast food, you might want to protect yourself. According to researchers, THIS “nutrient knight” can help protect you from processed food damage.
Source:
“High fried food consumption impacts anxiety and depression due to lipid metabolism disturbance and neuroinflammation,” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2221097120
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 Free Articles
Mailbag: Natural Fixes for Stubborn Toenail Fungus
“Is there an actual cure for toenail fungus?” —Feeling Frustrated If you are frustrated because you’ve been battling toenail fungus, I’m not surprised. Toenail fungus is incredibly difficult to treat. But don’t give up. With a combination of natural treatments and patience, relief is possible. Here’s what’s worked for my patients in the past… Tea...
Science Reveals Late-Night Anxiety is REAL (Here’s the Fix)
Ever notice how your problems seem WORSE at 3 AM? It turns out those middle-of-the-night anxiety-filled thoughts aren’t just in your head. Research reveals that your brain actually functions differently after midnight. In fact, what goes on during those dark hours could be sabotage your sleep and your decisions. But before you reach for a...
Normal Blood Pressure In 4 Weeks WITHOUT Drugs
High blood pressure affects millions of us. And these hypertension (high blood pressure) medications work, but they often come with unwanted side effects. However, we might have another option. A new study confirms that an often-overlooked root vegetable can help normalize blood pressure FAST… Research conducted by scientists at Queen Mary University of London revealed...
Spice Slashes Age-Related Vision Loss Risk
As you get older, the more likely you are to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In fact, one in seven people over 50 already have some evidence of this vision-robbing disease. That works out to about 1.5 million people. But you don’t have to be one of them. A small change you make starting today...
Four Medicine Cabinet Culprits Making You Fat
Picture this. You’re doing everything “right.” You’re trying to manage your weight by watching portion sizes, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. But the numbers on the scale won’t go down. Even worse, you realize they’ve been slowly CLIMBING. If this sounds familiar, the culprit could be hiding in your medicine cabinet. Keep reading to...
Why Age STEALS Your Sleep—And How to Take It Back
As we journey through life, we may find ourselves becoming unwilling members of the “tossing and turning” club. If you’ve noticed that restful nights are slipping further away with each passing year, you’re not alone. But why does this happen? Let’s shed some light on the causes of age-related sleep changes and explore how you...
Dodge Dementia with this Two Step Back-to-Basics Plan
You know the saying, “Everything old is new again,” right? Well, it turns out for dementia prevention, it’s spot on. In fact, new research supports two “old-school” solutions for protecting brain health. If you thought shielding yourself against dementia would be complicated, let me show you how simple it can be… When I counsel my...
Mailbag: Naturally Target Cholesterol
“I’m being treated for breast cancer. However, I was also recently diagnosed with atherosclerosis. My cholesterol is 249, and I was prescribed Lipitor. I’m on a plant-based diet and sometimes eat wild-caught salmon two to three times a week. What are the best natural ways to lower cholesterol?” -Naturally Cutting Cholesterol Hi Naturally, Your proactive...
Surprising Link Between Balance and Weight REVEALED
Think balance exercises are just for preventing falls? If so, think again. This often-overlooked aspect of fitness could also be the missing piece in your weight loss puzzle—especially as you age. Recent research suggests that improving your balance could be a game-changer for maintaining a healthy weight AND staying steady on your feet. And these...
These Common Kitchen Tools Could Triple Your Cancer Risk
Could you do me a favor? Take a look in your kitchen drawers. Do you spot any black plastic spatulas or spoons? If so, please keep reading… Because researchers have just discovered something about these common kitchen tools, you can’t afford to miss. They could literally be making you sick. Here’s why… A shocking study...