Dile adiós a los ultraprocesados | Claudia Abastoflor Arata | TEDxUPDS

Introduction and Concerns about Insulin Resistance

• A total of 38 people have been diagnosed with insulin resistance so far this year, and many more have been referred from other doctors and professionals with the same diagnosis, which has raised concerns about the commonality of this issue (16s).
• The high number of people with insulin resistance is attributed to unhealthy lifestyle habits, including poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle, which are becoming increasingly prevalent at very young ages (43s).
• A review of the medical histories of the 38 people diagnosed with insulin resistance revealed common factors, including a very unhealthy diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and high levels of stress (1m12s).
• Out of the 38 people, 12 have had to take medication to control anxiety and stress, which is a very high number, and many of those affected are young people (1m48s).

The Rise of Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes in Children

• It is particularly concerning that children as young as 8-12 years old are being diagnosed with prediabetes and insulin resistance, and have to take medication to manage their condition (2m12s).
• The responsibility for the diet and health of children lies with the adults who care for them, and it is unfair that children are suffering from these diseases due to the food choices made for them (2m48s).

The Importance of Balanced Diet and Conscious Food Choices

• As a nutritionist with 11 years of experience, the focus has been on promoting a balanced diet and making conscious food choices, rather than restrictive diets or prohibiting certain foods (3m0s).
• The key to a healthy relationship with food is balance and making informed decisions, which will have a significant impact on future health as an adult (3m55s).
• The goal is to live a healthy life into old age, approximately 70-75 years, and avoid being diagnosed with diseases like insulin resistance at a relatively young age, such as 40 (4m24s).
• Many people are diagnosed with insulin resistance, diabetes, and complex chronic gastric problems, and some are even diagnosed with cancer, forcing them to live 20-30 years with limited food consumption and social isolation due to dietary restrictions (4m34s).
• The idea that everyone has to die from something is true, but it is hoped that no one has to live with pain, restriction, and die from something that can be prevented because it is in our hands (5m25s).

The Impact of Food on Emotional Health

• The focus will shift from the physical problems caused by poor nutrition to also include the impact of food on emotional health, which is very important (6m3s).
• Food affects our emotions, and some products will be discussed that are not really food and do not provide nutrition (6m5s).
• The presentation will cover some themes and products, specifically ultra-processed foods that are not food and do not provide nutrition (6m27s).

Ultra-Processed Foods: Characteristics and Consumption

• Many people consume ultra-processed foods three or more times a week, or even three or more times a day (6m51s).
• Ultra-processed foods are foods that have undergone multiple processes before becoming what they are, designed to be liked and consumed repeatedly (7m29s).
• These products have intense flavors, bright colors, tempting aromas, and textures that are hard to replicate at home, and they also contain additives to achieve these objectives (8m1s).
• Additives are ingredients added to the base ingredients, including products with difficult-to-pronounce names, codes, and artificial colorants, which can be found on the ingredient list of a food product (8m47s).

The Negative Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods on Health

• Ultra-processed foods have several characteristics, including being cheap to produce, which often leads the industry to prioritize the final product's cost over its quality (9m45s).
• These foods can have a significant impact on both physical and emotional health, causing damage beyond just physical harm (9m57s).

Case Study: Paola's Health Journey and the Effects of Ultra-Processed Foods

• A patient, Paola, aged 28, had various health issues, including gastritis, obesity, insulin resistance, and a recent diagnosis of depression and anxiety, which were likely linked to her diet consisting mainly of street food, junk food, and instant products (10m9s).
• Paola's diet included consuming instant soups at least four times a week, which contributed to her health problems and feelings of exhaustion, weakness, and bad mood (11m3s).
• Despite visiting many doctors and undergoing treatments, Paola's health issues persisted, and her situation became unsustainable (11m32s).
• After consulting with a healthcare professional, Paola's symptoms, including inexplicable fatigue, weakness, and bad mood, were identified as potential signs of a larger issue related to her diet (12m3s).
• Further analysis and studies revealed that Paola had desnutrition, a common issue in people with obesity who primarily consume ultra-processed foods (12m52s).
• It is possible for individuals with obesity to have desnutrition, as it is a common occurrence in people who base their diet on ultra-processed products (13m4s).
• Ultra-processed foods are highly caloric but do not provide essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals, leading to malnutrition despite being high in calories (13m16s).
• Paola, a patient, improved her health after changing her diet and treatment, and she now tries to raise awareness about the harm caused by ultra-processed foods (13m39s).
• Paola's experience has made her an advocate for healthy eating, and she works to impact others by sharing her knowledge of the harm caused by these foods (14m8s).
• After four years, Paola no longer has the health problems she initially had, demonstrating the positive effects of a change in diet (14m24s).

Common Ultra-Processed Products and Their Ingredients

• Three common ultra-processed products - gelatin, soda, and snack bites - contain numerous ingredients that are often unknown to consumers (14m42s).
• Many people are unaware of the ingredients in these products, including the speaker, who notes that there are many food additives with codes and names (15m27s).

The Availability and Immediate Effects of Ultra-Processed Foods

• The widespread availability of ultra-processed foods in kiosks and cafeterias, from daycare to universities, promotes an unhealthy eating style (15m43s).
• Consuming ultra-processed foods can have immediate and short-term effects, including energy spikes and crashes, which can impact concentration, behavior, and mood (16m44s).
• Regularly consuming these products increases the risk of anxiety, depression, stress, emotional fatigue, insomnia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children (17m18s).
• Irritability in children can significantly impact their learning and socialization capabilities (17m47s).

Solutions and Recommendations for a Healthier Diet

• A solution to this issue is to consume foods that do not require labels, packaging, or additives, which can be found in markets and are often fresh, readily available, and even more economical (17m58s).
• It is recommended to stop consuming products that require labels, packaging, and have long ingredient lists, which are often found in supermarket aisles and are not easily recognizable (18m28s).
• When purchasing these products, it is suggested to read the ingredient list as a first alert to recognize and make more conscious decisions (18m59s).
• Modifying a diet loaded with ultra-processed foods to a more real diet will have a significant impact on overall health, avoiding various problems and improving emotional and physical well-being (19m19s).
• Changing the type of food consumed will have a substantial impact on health, and it is recommended to be more conscious of food choices (19m40s).
• It is essential to understand that this is not a joke, but rather a crucial aspect of the future, and it is vital to take into account what is being consumed (20m9s).
• A proposal is made to review the pantry and refrigerator at home, read the ingredient lists of all foods, and analyze if products with three or more unrecognizable additives are necessary (20m27s).
• It is crucial to consider the impact of consuming these products on health, especially if there are children around, as they are the future (21m22s).