Over-Processed? Here’s How Your Body Tells the Truth

Digest This: Are You Over-Processed?

“Your body keeps score — and it shows when ultra-processed foods take the lead.”

Researchers can actually measure how much ultra-processed food someone eats by looking at biomarkers — signals in your body that reflect diet quality. Here’s what they often find:

• Blood sugar response & insulin: Processed foods spike glucose more dramatically.

• Inflammatory markers (like CRP): Diets high in ultra-processed foods = higher low-grade inflammation.

• Gut metabolites: Compounds in stool and urine can reveal whether your microbiome thrives on fiber-rich whole foods… or struggles with additives.

• Cholesterol & triglycerides: Frequent intake often raises triglycerides and LDL while lowering HDL.

  
  

👉 Translation: Even if you think you’re eating “healthy,” your body might be quietly flagging the hidden junk.

What counts as ultra-processed?

It’s not just chips and soda. Ultra-processed foods also include:

• “Protein-infused” snacks

• Flavored sugary yogurts

• “Diet” products loaded with additives

  
  

They’ve been linked with higher risks of obesity, metabolic disease, and poor gut health. But the good news? Your body gives you signals.

Step 1: Watch your energy swings

If your energy crashes a couple hours after eating, it may be more about additives and refined ingredients than carbs alone.

Step 2: Notice your digestion

Bloating, irregularity, or always feeling hungry again too quickly are signs your meals might be missing fiber and whole-food nutrients.

Step 3: Check your cravings

Ultra-processed foods are designed to hijack hunger hormones. If you’re constantly craving more, that’s a red flag 🚩

Why this works

Whole foods deliver steady energy, nutrients, and satiety. Cutting back on processed options reduces inflammation and helps regulate blood sugar, gut health, and hormones.

💡 Pro tip: Try the “ingredient check.” If the label has more than 5 ingredients — especially ones you can’t pronounce — it’s probably ultra-processed.

Final Thought

Your body’s signals don’t lie. By tuning in, you can spot the hidden effects of ultra-processed foods and swap them out for whole-food fuel that helps you feel and perform better.

⚡️ Want help dialing in your nutrition (so you eat more food, not more chemicals)? Work with me here

Fun Fact: The average American gets nearly 60% of their calories from ultra-processed foods. That’s like fueling a Ferrari with gas station hot dogs.