Naya Moss

Ultra-Processed Foods Are Destroying Our Mental Health

Have you ever noticed how your mind feels after a week of microwave meals versus homemade dishes? I’ve experienced both sides, and the mental toll of relying on ultra-processed foods is far greater than we often realize.

Over the past nine years—and especially during my time in Europe, I completely changed how I ate, and it transformed how I felt physically and mentally. Cooking everything from scratch made a huge difference. Even when things got rough, I had this steady energy and optimism I’d never felt before.

Fast forward to now, where I’m in a situation with limited access to fresh, whole foods, and I’m experiencing the opposite effect. The return to processed foods has brought back that familiar brain fog, low energy, and tendency toward feeling down. It’s like night and day.

This isn’t just my experience – research backs this up. A recent Harvard Medical School study found that people consuming lots of ultra-processed foods have a 50% higher risk of depression. Think about that next time you’re reaching for that convenient frozen meal or swinging through the drive-thru.

Let’s talk about what’s mean’t by ultra-processed foods:

  • Fast food (those late-night McDonald’s runs)
  • Frozen ready meals
  • Processed meats (yes, that includes those convenient sandwich meats)
  • Packaged snacks and cookies
  • Most breakfast cereals
  • Sugary drinks

Here’s what I’ve noticed in my own life when eating these foods:

  • Constant fatigue and low energy
  • More frequent headaches and stomach issues
  • Feeling more lonely and hopeless
  • Struggling with mood swings
  • Finding it harder to stay optimistic during challenges

The science explains why this happens. These foods mess with our bodies in several ways:

  • They lack essential nutrients our brains need
  • They trigger inflammation in our bodies
  • They disrupt our gut health (which is surprisingly connected to our mood)
  • They create blood sugar spikes and crashes that affect our energy and mood

When I was cooking from scratch in Europe, even during really tough times, I maintained a baseline of energy and mental clarity that helped me push through challenges. Now that I’m back to more processed foods, I can feel the difference – and not in a good way.

The most concerning part? Research shows these foods might also speed up cognitive decline. A study in JAMA Neurology found that people eating lots of ultra-processed foods showed faster drops in their thinking and memory skills.

I’m not saying never eat these foods – that’s not realistic for most of us. However, being aware of how they affect us mentally can help us make better choices when possible. Even small changes, like choosing whole foods when you can, make a difference.

Have you noticed how different foods affect your mood and energy levels? I’d love to hear about your experiences with processed foods and mental health.

Sources: