Junk food is the common name for fast food, which is a dietary product that has high amount of calories, low nutritional value and lacks essential nutrients. Junk food is highly processed and contains a number of additives, such as synthetic colors, preservatives and sweeteners. Fast food is very popular in the North American diet and has been linked with various health concerns, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD.
History
The history of fast food is well described by Eric Schlossler in his popular book "Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal " Since the 1950s, North America has the largest fast food industry in the world and McDonald's is a typical example of fast food brand. Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame were added later on, in the 1970s in an attempt to reduce the calories of these foods. Interestingly the prevalence of ADHD continued to increase, becoming one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood mental health disorder.
Characteristics
Junk foods contain over 35 percent calories from fat with 10 percent or more calories from saturated fats and are loaded with salt, sugar and artificial additives. Junk foods lack essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes and essential fatty acids. Some examples of junk foods are chips, candies, hamburgers, pizzas, hot dogs, French fries and onion rings. Children tend to eat more junk foods then adults because these products look more attractive and have better taste compared with healthy foods.
Dangers
Artificial additives that are found in abundance in junk food have been associated with serious health concerns, including ADHD. According to a July 2010 article published in "Medical News Today," The Center for Science in the Public Interest, USA stated that artificial dyes increase the risk of cancer and hyperactivity in children and proposed the Food and Drug Administration to ban these synthetic colors from foods. A November 2007 issue of the "Lancet" describes a study that linked hyperactivity with sodium benzoate, preservative and artificial colors. Children who eat mainly fast foods tend to eat less fresh fruits and vegetables, and therefore nutrient deficiency may occur.
American Diet and the ADHD Link
In the July 29, 2010 issue of "Science Daily," Dr. Oddy, MD from Perth's Telethon Institute for Child Health Research stated that the Western-style diet was associated with more than twice the risk of having an ADHD diagnosis compared with a diet low in the Western pattern. This study involved over 100 adolescents diagnosticated with ADHD. Further studies are suggested in order to better explain the relationship between diet and this condition.
Preventions/Solution
According to "Holistic Mental Health," Dr. Feingold was one of the first doctors and researchers who noticed the negative impact of artificial colors, preservatives and sweeteners on ADHD children and his program promotes an additive free diet .Vitamin, mineral and omega-3 fatty acids intake can be improved by switching to a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and increase consumption of fish and healthy vegetable oils.
References
- Science Daily: Western Diet Link to ADHD, Australian Study Finds
- Medical News Today: Study Suggests High-Dose Fish Oil May Significantly Improve Behavior In Children With ADHD
- Medical News Today: Ban Food Dyes Says US Watchdog
- Medical News Today: Childhood Hyperactive Behaviors Exacerbated By Food Additives And Artificial Color
- "Holistic Mental Health: A Comparison of Traditional and Alternative Treatments for Mental Disorders;" Dave DiSano; 2005
- "Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal;" Eric Schossler; 2005
