The Silent Architect of Anxiety: How Ultra-Processed Foods Are Rewiring Your Brain and Body

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) refer to products manufactured through complex industrial processes, typically containing ingredients rarely found in a home kitchen. These substances include artificial flavors, synthetic colors, emulsifiers, and heavy preservatives designed to extend shelf life and maximize sensory appeal. Consuming these products regularly does not just impose a high caloric load on the body; it fundamentally alters our physiological structure and how our internal systems communicate.