5 worst foods for people over 40 that increase visceral fat, spike inflammation and more

The way your body processes alcohol is also one of the first things that begins to change. Your liver takes more time to clear it (Image: Pexels)

• Body changes in your 40s affect food and drink tolerance
• Reduce processed meats, sugary drinks, fried foods, and snacks
• Choose whole grains, lean meats, and fresh snacks over unhealthy foods.

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Notice your body reacting differently to foods as soon as you reach your 40s? It is not your imagination; there is a shift that takes place in your circadian rhythm, cardiovascular health, and how you process caffeine and alcohol.

In a new Instagram post, fitness coach Dan Go explained, “This is why you can’t handle late nights or drinks the way you used to. It’s not in your head, your biology is changing.”

Unhealthy foods begin to take a toll on your health. “Ultra-processed foods make up over 50 per cent of the average adult’s daily calories. Modern foods are created to make you eat more without feeling full,” Dan added.

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A post shared by Dan Go | High Performance Health Coach (@coachdango)

Avoid these 5 foods in your diet

Here are five foods he advised reducing or eliminating from your diet…

Processed meats

Processed meatsare not good for your health and include foods like hot dogs and deli meats. They are high in sodium, saturated fats and nitrates and speed up ageing. These should be swapped for healthier options, such as chicken, fatty fish, and canned sardines.

Sugary drinks and alcohol

Sugary drinks do more damage in your 40s than you think. When they enter your bloodstream quickly, insulin is released. If your cells are resistant to insulin, that sugar gets stored as visceral fat, which is difficult to shed.

The way your body processes alcohol is also one of the first things that begins to change. Your liver takes more time to clear it. Swap them with sparkling water, green tea, and black coffee.

Fried foods

One of the most common causes of chronic diseases, fried foods are cooked at high heat, which creates acrylamide, a known neurotoxin. Commercial frying uses seed oils that turn into trans fats when heated. “After 40, your body is already fighting inflammation. Fried foods pour gasoline on the fire. Better swaps include an air fryer with olive oil," Dan said.

Refined carbs

Consuming white bread, pastries, instant oatmeals and cereals doesn’t help your body either. They have no fibre and hit your bloodstream almost as fast as sugar, causing insulin spikes and energy crashes. Best to swap them and use steel-cut oats, quinoa and sourdough.

Ultra-processed snacks and fast foods

Packaged foods, such as chips and cookies, impair gut health. According to studies, they reduce good gut bacteria, increase inflammation, and damage the gut barrier. They are also associated with faster ageing. Instead, take almonds with fruit and greek yoghurt with berries.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.