Superprocessed foods may speed up early signs of Parkinson’s

People who eat a lot of superprocessed foods, such as cold breakfast cereals, packaged snacks and hot dogs, may put their brain health at risk, according to new research. A major long-term study published in neurology on May 7 shows that a large number of consumers of superprocessed foods produce twice the multiple early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease compared to those who largely avoid using these foods. This question about the link highlights how our daily food choices affect our nerve health for decades until more obvious symptoms appear.

The Hidden Link between Diet and Brain Health

The study tracked over 42,000 people for 26 years, looking for early signs of Parkinson’s disease. These early signs can occur for years or even decades, while the more well-known symptoms begin at the start of tremor and motor problems.

“Eating a healthy diet is crucial because it is associated with the lower risk of neurodegenerative diseases, and the dietary choices we make today will greatly affect our brain health in the future,” study author Xiang Gao, MD, PhD, PhD, from Shanghai Fudan University, China.

The research team focused on seven early warning signs for Parkinson’s disease, including:

• Sleep behavior disorders
• Olfaction problem
• constipate
• Symptoms of depression
• Body pain
• Color visual impairment
• Excessive sleepiness during the day

What has the research actually discovered?

Over the years, participants completed regular food diaries, allowing researchers to track their consumption of foods processed at the super-spot. The group defines one as a can of soda, an ounce of fries, a piece of packaged cake, a hot dog or a tablespoon of ketchup.

After analyzing the data and adjusting for factors such as age, physical activity and smoking, the results were surprising. People who consume 11 or more servings a day are 2.5 times more likely to have early signs of Parkinson’s disease than those who eat less than three servings a day.

What is even more worrying is that the link remains firm on almost all early warning symptoms except constipation.

Gao Gao notes: “There is growing evidence that diet may affect the development of Parkinson’s disease. Our research suggests that eating too much foods, such as sugary soda and packaged snacks, may speed up early signs of Parkinson’s disease.”

Apart from hot dogs and soda: What foods have you studied?

Researchers examined several categories of superprocessed foods, including:

Seasonings, dispersings and condiments; packaged candies; snacks and desserts; artificial or sugar-sweetened beverages; processed animal products; yogurt or dairy-based desserts; and packaged savory snacks.

This comprehensive approach helps ensure that discovery is not limited to one processed food.

From research to real life: What should we do?

While the study shows a strong association between superprocessed foods and signs of early Parkinson’s disease, the researchers warn that this does not prove its causality. Nevertheless, these findings add to the growing evidence of the potential neurological effects of a highly processed diet.

“Choose to eat less processed foods, and whole foods, nutritious foods may be a good strategy for maintaining brain health,” Gao said. “More research is needed to confirm our findings that eating less processed foods may slow down the earliest signs of Parkinson’s disease.”

Currently, nutrition experts generally agree that a diet rich in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein provides the best support for long-term brain health. This study also reminds us that the food we eat not only affects our waistline—it may help determine how our brain ages over time.

As our understanding of the connection between diet and neurohealth is growing, reducing superprocessed foods can be an important strategy for protecting brain health, which may be in years where a disease like Parkinson would otherwise develop.