A new study suggests a troubling link between ultra-processed foods and brain-related illnesses like dementia, autism, and mental health issues. Researchers believe that microplastics—tiny particles found in many packaged foods—may be the hidden threat.
Key Facts:
- A new review connects ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to neurological disorders such as mental illness, dementia, and autism.
- UPFs make up around 70% of the typical American diet.
- Scientists believe microplastics—tiny plastic particles—are entering the brain through contaminated food.
- Microplastics are commonly found in processed foods due to packaging and industrial handling.
- Dr. Nicholas Fabiano of the University of Ottawa warns that these particles can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the brain.
The Rest of The Story:
Ultra-processed foods like chips, cookies, frozen meals, and even protein bars are common in the average American diet.
A new scientific review reveals these foods may be tied to rising rates of brain disorders, including dementia, mental health issues, and developmental conditions like autism.
Researchers suspect the cause is not just poor nutrition, but microplastics—tiny plastic particles that are increasingly showing up in processed foods.
These particles often make their way into food during manufacturing or packaging.
Because UPFs are heavily processed and often wrapped in plastic, they’re especially vulnerable to this kind of contamination.
Dr. Nicholas Fabiano and his team found that microplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in human brain tissue.
That raises concerns that our diets may be quietly harming our cognitive and emotional well-being.
A major new review has linked ultra-processed foods (UPFs) – which includes everything from chips to protein bars – to rising rates of neurological disorders. https://t.co/voMhWLmfhL
— Boone Cutler 🦬🇺🇸 🦅 (@boonecutler) May 20, 2025
Commentary:
For years, people have been warned about the dangers of ultra-processed foods.
This new review is yet another red flag for a food system that prioritizes convenience over health.
From sugar overload to chemical additives, these foods have long been linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Now, we’re seeing mounting evidence that they may be damaging our brains as well.
It’s not hard to understand why this is happening.
UPFs are handled by machines, wrapped in plastic, stored for long periods, and then microwaved or eaten straight from the packaging.
Every step of the process is a potential pathway for microplastic contamination.
While the science around microplastics is still emerging, it’s deeply concerning that these particles can cross into the brain.
If true, this could explain the surge in mental health problems, cognitive decline, and developmental issues we’re seeing across age groups.
That said, most people consuming these foods are not doing so blindly.
They know deep down that a frozen burrito or a bag of cheese puffs is not health food.
The issue isn’t a lack of information—it’s a lack of discipline and sometimes, economic options.
There’s a cultural trend of pretending we’re victims of the food industry, but in truth, we have more information now than ever.
When 70% of our diet comes from industrial food labs, we can’t expect our bodies or our minds to thrive.
Self-responsibility and mindful eating are not elitist concepts—they’re common sense.
People need to stop expecting the government or corporations to fix what’s ultimately a personal health choice.
Until we as a society decide to treat our food choices as seriously as we treat our social media opinions, these trends will continue.
Mental and cognitive health begins at the dinner table, not the pharmacy.
The Bottom Line:
Ultra-processed foods, already linked to obesity and diabetes, may also be fueling mental illness and neurological disorders through microplastic contamination.
This isn’t just a scientific curiosity—it’s a public health warning.
People have long known UPFs aren’t healthy.
This study is a reminder that what we eat affects more than our waistlines—it could be impacting our minds as well.
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