Hidden Chemicals and Sugars in Processed Food

The food industry has long added sugars to increase palatability in processed foods, but not without causing serious health issues along the way, including a higher risk of obesity. Below, Sydney specialist surgeon Dr V. Kuzinkovas discusses the prevalence of such additives in processed food, and how consuming this food makes weight loss more difficult.

The food industry has long added sugars to increase palatability in processed foods, but not without causing serious health issues along the way, including a higher risk of obesity. Below, Sydney specialist surgeon Dr V. Kuzinkovas discusses the prevalence of such additives in processed food, and how consuming this food makes weight loss more difficult.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

Although table sugar added to food is problematic, the biggest culprit among detrimental additives is high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), derived from corn starch. Consisting of a blend of half fructose, half glucose, HFCS has caused an upswing in obesity rates in the past few decades. Many carbohydrates contain glucose, which your body needs to function. Fructose, on the other hand, is not required in the same amounts as glucose. Before HFCS was widely added to foods, most people received fructose only from eating fruit. Fructose requires conversion to glucose or fat stowed in the liver before the body can use it, and that leads to a variety of health issues.

Avoiding HFCS syrup isn’t easy, since it is added to all types of foods. This ranges from soft drinks, candy and snacks to seemingly “healthy” foods like yogurt, granola bars and juice, as well as bread and condiments.

Fatty Liver Disease

Besides obesity, HFCS contributes to the development of fatty liver disease. The liver does not metabolize HFCS in the same way it does carbohydrates. Fatty liver disease may also increase a person’s risk of developing diabetes.

Read the Ingredient Labels

Many people don’t realize the amount of chemicals and sugars stuffed into processed foods, but the information isn’t really hidden. It’s all there on the ingredient label, which most folks aren’t going to read, because they don’t suspect these items have been added. If you are going to consume any type of processed food, make a habit of reading and understanding the ingredients before purchase. If you don’t recognize an ingredient, do a quick search on your phone to establish whether or not weight gain or any other issue is connected with it.

Dietary Changes

The best way to avoid HFCS and other food additives is by cutting out processed foods and switching to a more natural diet. In addition to consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables, eat more fish and lean meats. For those struggling with serious weight issues, other options, such as bariatric surgery, can help. After such surgery, however, sticking to a healthy diet is necessary.

For More Information, Contact Advanced Surgicare

If you would like to learn more about how the hidden chemicals and sugar in processed food affect you, and how bariatric surgery can help your weight issues, schedule a personal consultation with Dr V. Kuzinkovas at Advanced Surgicare. He will answer all of your questions and address any concerns.