The dangers of a high-fructose diet are fairly well established. A diet consisting of large amounts of the sweetener heightens the risk of cancer, diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver. A recent study from the University of California, Los Angeles has found that fructose can have devastating effects for victims recovering from traumatic brain injury.
The study, published in early October in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism, details a classic experiment. Researchers fed rats a standard diet and trained to escape a maze. After five days of daily maze running, researchers simulated TBI in the rats. Half the rats were then placed on a diet of plain water and food, with the other half fed water sweetened with fructose and food. Six weeks later, they ran the maze again.
The results were nothing short of devastating. Rats who had been fed the sweetened water took 30 percent longer to navigate the maze than their counterparts. In experimental terms, that result is highly significant.
According to the UCLA Newsroom, “The UCLA team found that fructose altered a wealth of biological processes in the animals’ brains after trauma. The sweetener interfered with the ability of neurons to communicate with each other, rewire connections after injury, record memories and produce enough energy to fuel basic functions.”
Sweetners are everywhere
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service tracks the world’s production and consumption of sugar and sweeteners. According to their data, the average American consumed approximately 27 pounds of high-fructose corn syrup in 2014. While this number has dropped significantly in the last decade, it is still absurdly high.
Gomez-Pinilla, the lead author of this study and a member of the UCLA Brain Injury Research Center, summed up the teams findings concisely, saying, “Our take-home message can be boiled down to this; reduce fructose in your diet if you want to protect your brain.”
If prior evidence of the dangers of a high-fructose diet wasn’t enough to convince us that change is necessary, it’s possible that this study will provide a turning point. High fructose diets are making us unhealthier than ever. Cutting the sweets doesn’t just protect your body; it protects your brain. It’s time for a change.
Our Nashville injury lawyers at the Rocky McElhaney Law Firm have successfully dealt with brain injury cases for many years. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a heartbreaking experience for the individual, family and friends. When you need an experienced and knowledgeable advocate, we are here to fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation in our Nashville, Gallatin or Knoxville office.
