One more risk from ultra-processed foods: Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease (PD) affects around 1 million Americans, with 90,000 new cases diagnosed annually. And while you can live for 10 to 30 years with the condition, its impact on quality of life is far-reaching, affecting cognition and mobility, and making you vulnerable to life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia. (It's hard on caregivers, too -- more than 30% die before the person they're caring for.)
Fortunately, ever-more info on prevention, management, and potentially a cure is emerging. (The possible cure has been tested in three people in a phase 2 study. We'll discuss that in a future column.)
One of the latest studies followed more than 1,000 folks with early symptoms of Parkinson's, such as chronic constipation, mood changes, cognition problems and sleep disturbance. The 10-year-long investigation found that each additional daily serving of ultra-processed food was associated with a 19% higher risk of development of signs of Parkinson's, a 4% higher risk of developing full-blown Parkinson's and a 10% higher risk of death from Parkinson's-specific causes. Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hepatitis C, H. pylori, COVID-19, and inflammatory bowel disease are also risk factors for PD.
Clearly, you want to adopt as healthful a diet as possible to stay as healthy and young as possible. That will allow you to take advantage of The Great Age Reboot when it arrives -- and it's more than 80% likely to happen soon. So, to eat healthfully, dive into "The What to Eat When Cookbook." And the free newsletter at LongevityPlaybook.com will offer you more info and support.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Comments