4. **Fast Food and Mental Health**
The impact of fast food goes beyond physical health—it can also affect your **mental well-being**. Research has linked diets high in fast food and processed items to an increased risk of **depression** and **anxiety**.
How fast food affects mental health:
– **Nutrient deficiencies**: Fast food diets are often low in important nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B6 and B12, and folate, which are essential for brain health and emotional regulation.
– **Blood sugar spikes**: Fast food, especially items high in refined carbohydrates and sugars, can cause rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar, leading to mood swings, irritability, and fatigue.