Drain your energy A quick intake of refined carbohydrates and sugar causes a rise in blood sugar, causing the body to produce a surge of insulin to lower it quickly. This cycle of peaks and falls can leave you feeling tired and in a bad mood. Junk food doesn't contain the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. As a result, you may feel chronically fatigued and lack the energy you need to complete daily tasks.
High levels of sugar in junk food stress metabolism; when you eat refined sugar, the pancreas secretes large amounts of insulin to prevent a dangerous rise in blood sugar levels. If you eat junk food, you can make simple dietary changes to improve your energy and control your weight. Mindless junk food in front of the TV or in the car can also lead to overeating and increase calorie intake. Junk food contains large amounts of fat, and as fat builds up in the body, you'll gain weight and could become obese.
Over time, high levels of sugar and simple carbohydrates in junk food can lead to type 2 diabetes. Because fast food and junk food don't contain adequate amounts of protein and good carbohydrates, your blood sugar levels will drop suddenly after you eat, leaving you feeling moody, fatigued and craving sugar. High-sugar junk food is prevalent in the United States and accounts for about 16 percent of total energy intake. Fast foods and junk food are high in fat, sodium and sugar, which can lead to obesity and a variety of concomitant health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.
While it may be tempting to rely on vending machines to overcome a rough patch in the afternoon or to buy fast food on the way to the meeting, these options add up over time and can negatively affect your weight and energy levels. Because junk food doesn't contain the proteins or complex carbohydrates the body needs to maintain consistent blood sugar levels, blood sugar levels will drop suddenly shortly after eating. The high levels of trans fatty acids found in many junk foods and fast foods can cause fatty liver deposits that, over time, can cause liver dysfunction and disease. While low energy levels and weight gain cannot be attributed solely to eating junk food, there is an association between eating high-calorie, nutrient-poor foods and poor health.
High levels of fat and sodium in junk food and fast food can contribute to heart disease by increasing blood cholesterol levels and contributing to the accumulation of arterial plaque.
