Demerits of junk food

Filling your diet with junk food causes an array of problems in your
body. Junk food is often high in sugar, fat and calories, while
providing very few nutrients. You can treat yourself to some ice
cream or your favorite candy bar once in awhile, but keep your
portions to a minimum.

Stroke risk
For optimal heart health, you should not consume more than 1,500
milligrams of sodium each day. You need some sodium in your diet to help
maintain normal fluid balance, but too much sodium increases blood
pressure and stroke risk. Eating junk food high in sodium, such as potato
chips, french fries and pepperoni pizza, may increase your risk of stroke.
A study by researchers at the University of Miami published in a 2012
edition of "Stroke; A Journal of Cerebral Circulation" found that the risk
of stroke increases by 17 percent for every 500 milligrams of sodium
consumed over the recommendation. For example, consuming 2,500
milligrams of sodium increases your risk of stroke by 34 percent. If you
have a weakness for potato chips, opt for low-sodium or salt-free
varieties, to lessen your sodium intake.

Weight gain

Filling your diet with junk food may lead to weight gain. It takes an
extra 3,500 calories in your diet to gain 1 pound of body weight. For
example, consuming 500 calories from junk food each day can lead to 1
pound of weight gain in just a week. If you find yourself at the vending
machine in the afternoon, pack healthy snacks the night before and
bring them to work. Snack on whole fruit, wheat crackers and baby
carrots with fat-free dressing instead. These snacks provide fewer
calories than junk food, so you are less likely to gain weight.

Tooth Decay
A diet rich in sugary sweets increases your chances of developing
cavities. Tooth decay occurs when enamel, the protective coating on your
teeth, starts to break down. Eating junk food with a high sugar content,
such as soda, candy and baked goods, coats your mouth, gums, tongue and
teeth with sugar. This sugar coating attacks enamel and leads to tooth
decay and cavities. Avoid having a painful trip to the dentist by
eliminating sugary snacks from your diet. If you drink soda, switch to a
sugar-free variety. Lessen your risk of tooth decay by brushing your
teeth after each meal or snack.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Eating too much junk food might cause gastrointestinal problems.

Processed junk food provides very little, if any, dietary fiber. You need
fibre in your diet to keep your bowels moving. If you don't get adequate
amounts of fibre, you may suffer from constipation. When this occurs, you
may go for days without having a bowel movement or have difficulty
passing stools. Put down your afternoon junk food treat and replace it
with a fibre-rich apple, orange or bowl of berries. These fruits can curb
your sweet tooth, while providing plenty of fibre to help keep you
regular. If you need to replace salty snacks, opt for celery and peanut
butter or air-popped popcorn. These savory options keep you satisfied if
you are craving a saltier type of food.