New Delhi: Ultra-processed foods have for long taken the blame for obesity, metabolic disorders, heart diseases and other severe health problems in a long run. But there is a lot more that one is at the risk of – and according to a new study, that risk is of insomnia. A new research shows that foods and drinks like energy bars, fizzy drinks and readymade meals can cause insomnia and other sleep disorders. These foods and drinks are loaded with emulsifiers, added salt, sugar and fats but are deprived of essential nutrients like vitamins and fibre.
How does diet affect insomnia risk?
Apart from obesity, heart diseases and diabetes, excessive intake of processed foods is associated with 32 health problems as per studies. And now, according to researchers from Sorbonne Paris Nord University in France, eating too much junk food could contribute to insomnia risk. It was founde that there is a strong link between intake of ultraprocessed foods and insomnia and this was the conclusion after researchers analysed the diet and sleep pattern of 40000 adults.
Best diet for insomnia management
But talk of the right kind of diet for insomnia management or to reduce the risk of the disorder, researchers stress the importance of following the Mediterranean diet, which is largely plant-based. Experts noted that one in three people are likely to experience difficulty in falling asleep and staying that way. It is known as chronic insomnia if the same lasts for longer than three montha. Data was also collected every six months from 2013-2015. Their dietary records from 24 hours were procured and information was sought on insomnia symptoms.
Researchers found that participants who got 16% of their daily calories from ultraprocessed foods were 19.4% more likely to suffer from chronic insomnia. It was found that higher intake of this kind of foods was higher in men than in women. On the other hand, foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes and seafood are known to improve sleep quality. This recommends increasing the overall intake of nutritious foods and following a high-fibre diet such as the Mediterranean diet. This was published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Researchers said that more research is needed in the area to ascertain how diet high in processed foods can impact sleep quality overtime.
Apart from obesity, heart diseases and diabetes, excessive intake of processed foods is associated with 32 health problems as per studies. And now, according to researchers from Sorbonne Paris Nord University in France, eating too much junk food could contribute to insomnia risk. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
