Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your health regimen.

If you’re like most Americans, you probably enjoy the convenience of a can of soda, a handful of chips, or a quick sandwich with a dollop of ketchup.

But what if we told you that these everyday foods—so common in our pantries and refrigerators—might be quietly increasing your risk of Parkinson’s disease?



What Are Ultraprocessed Foods, Anyway?
Let’s start with the basics. Ultraprocessed foods are everywhere: sodas, packaged snacks, sweetened yogurts, hot dogs, salad dressings, and even some sliced meats.

These foods are typically loaded with artificial additives like emulsifiers, sweeteners, and preservatives. They’re designed for convenience and long shelf life, but at what cost?

A single serving could be as small as a tablespoon of ketchup, a can of soda, or a slice of packaged cake.

It’s easy to see how these servings can add up quickly—especially when you consider that even “healthy” options like pre-made salads or deli meats can fall into this category.



The Study: What Did Scientists Find?
Researchers from Fudan University in China followed over 42,000 people for up to 26 years, tracking their diets and health. The results were eye-opening:

• People who ate 11 or more servings of ultraprocessed foods a day were 2.5 times more likely to show early signs of Parkinson’s disease compared to those who ate three or fewer servings.
• Even those who kept their intake to three or fewer servings still saw their risk rise by up to 60%, depending on the type of food.
• Packaged sweets were the biggest culprits, raising risk by 60%, while sauces and condiments increased risk by 17%.

“Our research shows that eating too much processed food, like sugary sodas and packaged snacks, might be speeding up early signs of Parkinson’s disease,” expressed senior study author Dr. Xiang Gao, an esteemed professor and dean of the Institute of Nutrition at Fudan University in Shanghai, China, in a statement.

This recent study is part of the “growing evidence that diet might influence the development of Parkinson’s disease,” Gao added.

Also read: More dangerous than fentanyl? What new research says about your diet



Early signs of Parkinson’s—which can appear decades before diagnosis—include sleep problems, fatigue, constipation, and a reduced sense of smell. These symptoms often fly under the radar, but they’re important to watch for.

How Could Ultraprocessed Foods Affect the Brain?
The researchers believe the answer lies in the artificial additives and the way these foods interact with our bodies:

• Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: Additives like emulsifiers and sweeteners may promote inflammation and oxidative stress, damaging the neurons in the brain that produce dopamine—a key chemical for movement and coordination.
• Gut-Brain Connection: Ultraprocessed foods can disrupt the “friendly” bacteria in your gut, leading to harmful bacteria that trigger inflammation in the brain. This inflammation can destroy dopamine-producing neurons, setting the stage for Parkinson’s.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s is a progressive movement disorder that affects nearly 90,000 Americans every year.

It’s caused by the death of nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine. Without enough dopamine, people experience tremors, muscle stiffness, slow movements, and trouble with balance and mobility.

While age and genetics play a role, lifestyle factors—including diet—are increasingly being recognized as important contributors.

Should You Be Worried?
Before you panic, it’s important to note that this study looked at early symptoms—not full-blown Parkinson’s disease.

Also read: Are you at risk? Daily exposure to this common hazard could spark Parkinson’s disease



Many of these symptoms, like sleep issues or constipation, are common in the general population and can have many causes.

Experts caution that more research is needed to confirm a direct link between ultraprocessed foods and Parkinson’s.

However, the evidence is mounting that what we eat today can have a big impact on our brain health tomorrow.

What Can You Do to Lower Your Risk?
The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your entire diet overnight. Small, sustainable changes can make a big difference.



1. Cut Back on Ultraprocessed Foods

• Swap out sodas for water or unsweetened tea.
• Choose whole fruits over packaged desserts.
• Make your own salad dressings with olive oil and vinegar.

2. Read Labels Carefully

• Look for short ingredient lists you recognize.
• Watch out for words like “emulsifiers,” “artificial sweeteners,” and “preservatives.”

3. Embrace Whole Foods

• Fill your plate with fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Try batch-cooking or prepping meals ahead to make healthy choices easier.

4. Listen to Your Body

• If you notice changes in sleep, mood, digestion, or sense of smell, talk to your doctor. Early intervention is key.

The Bottom Line
While the link between ultraprocessed foods and Parkinson’s disease isn’t set in stone, the evidence is strong enough to make us all think twice about what we’re putting on our plates.

As Dr. Xiang Gao, the study’s lead author, puts it, “The dietary choices we make today can significantly influence our brain health in the future.”

At The GrayVine, we know that making healthy changes can feel overwhelming—especially when old habits are hard to break. But every small step counts, and it’s never too late to start.

Read next: 8 early signs of Parkinson’s you shouldn’t ignore—what experts want you to know


Have you tried cutting back on ultraprocessed foods? Noticed any changes in your health or energy? Or do you have tips for making healthy eating easier? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!