The Role of Diet in Health and Disease: Big Foods Won't Tell You

 

By virtue of our training, when discussing health, it's increasingly clear that food is often a root cause of many conditions. That's why we often spent good amount of time in trying to understand the patients dietary needs when we first encounter them. 

Diet is at the center of health. From depression and autoimmune diseases to gut issues and even behavioral challenges, the role of diet cannot be overstated. The connection between sugar, brain inflammation, and various health outcomes provides compelling evidence that dietary choices significantly impact our well-being. Let’s explore these connections in depth.

Sugar and Its Impact on Brain Function: Sugar has profound effects on the brain, particularly in its role in inflammation. You might ask why sugar was first to be pointed out? That is because sugar is in everything we eat in America and perhaps around the world. I can only speak to what I know.

So, the brain has two primary components at odds: the “amygdala”, which governs fight-or-flight responses, and the “frontal lobe”, responsible for rational decision-making and impulse control. When inflammation interrupts communication between these regions, it can lead to poor self-regulation and heightened emotional reactivity.

For instance, sugar consumption has been linked to increased anger and impulsivity. This happens because sugar-induced inflammation disrupts neural pathways, impairing the brain’s ability to regulate emotions effectively. 

Second , chronic inflammation in the brain has also been identified as a root cause of numerous conditions, including depression, autism, attention deficit disorders (ADD/ADHD), and Alzheimer's disease.

The Role of Inflammation in Chronic Disease: Inflammation is at the core of many chronic diseases. Harvard psychiatrist Dr. Chris Palmer has explored how dietary interventions, such as the ketogenic diet, can significantly improve brain health. His research suggests that brain inflammation may underpin conditions like schizophrenia, and ketogenic diets have shown promise in reversing symptoms by reducing inflammation, improving mitochondrial function, and repairing neural pathways.

This aligns with broader evidence suggesting that chronic diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer's, and autoimmune disorders are fundamentally driven by the consumption of sugar.

Big food won't tell you this. 

As your concerned friend, let's all start cutting back on how much sugar we consume. 

I remain your pal, 

Ronnie 

lawronald05@aol.com