When it comes to the word "addiction," a few substances tend to come to mind, like drugs and alcohol. The word "food?" Decidedly less so. But believe it or not, food addiction is quite common. The brain knows that when a person eats, they're doing something right, and it releases feel-good chemicals in the reward system. These chemicals include the neurotransmitter dopamine, which the brain interprets as pleasure. The brain is hardwired to seek out behaviors that release dopamine in the reward system. The quicker the carbohydrates are digested (especially in the absence of fat and /or protein), the higher the rise and fall in blood sugar, and the greater the effects on energy and subsequent cravings for food (and 'lack of willpower').
Sign of Food Addiction
- End up eating more than planned when you start eating certain foods
- Keep eating certain foods even if you're no longer hungry
- Eat to the point of feeling ill
- Worry about not eating certain types of foods or worry about cutting down on certain types of foods
- When certain foods aren't available, go out of your way to obtain them
- Spending time eating and purchasing food more than the time of working, exercising, or seeing the family or friends.
If you answered "yes" to any of those questions, you may consider looking into food addiction treatment options. "When it comes to food addictions, you need to define where the trigger of the addiction is coming from," says Dr. Rania Mamdouh. "People who consider themselves food addicts are eating to fill a void in their life, which could be loneliness, boredom, lack of purpose...and they cope with food." Serenity Girls provide a complementary Program of : Psychotherapy, rehabilitation program, 12 steps, sports and specially tailored diet program for the food addiction client. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, don't wait. Get help today.
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