Processed foods containing preservatives, food colorings and artificial flavorings or sugars like aspartame have been shown to alter the populations of good versus bad bacteria in the gut and increase inflammation in the body. Certain food colorings often found in processed foods marketed for children have been linked to cognitive and/or behavioral delays in kids on the spectrum. In relation to potential treatment for autism, the strain types of gut microbiota seems critical in the programming of social behaviors including social motivation, arousal, preference for social novelty and even repetitive grooming behaviors.

It is well known that refined processed grains/sugars are linked to a myriad of diseases whether it be immunological (e.g. IgG Food intolerances, Cancer), metabolic (e.g. Diabetes, Heart disease) or neurological (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis etc). In addition, these chronic diseases have also been associated with gut dysbiosis which in part is linked to poor diets that are rich in calories but poor in vitamins/minerals/nutrition – also known as “empty calorie” foods.

It is incorrect to assume that fortified processed foods are the same as whole foods. For example, whole wheat bread stripped of most nutrients then fortified with folic acid is not as absorbable/bioavailable in the body (and can actually be detrimental) versus eating naturally occurring folates in leafy greens or the original grains before being processed. Most “processed” foods are devoid of real nutritional value like essential minerals, vitamins, etc. and are laden with excess sugar, trans fats and/or other preservatives which are all linked to chronic metabolic diseases like Diabetes, heart disease, neurological diseases, autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc.

I would strongly advise against the consumption of any processed foods. I try to follow the following saying: “If you can’t pick it, grow it or kill it – don’t eat it!” Always try to shop aroundthe supermarket aisles where all the fresh produce is and not withinthe aisles where all the canned, boxed and processed foods are located.