Are We Addicted to Food?

By CPT William R. Conkright, Chief, Outpatient Nutrition Clinic, Tripler Army Medical CenterMay 8, 2015

CPT William R. Conkright, Chief, Outpatient Nutrition Clinic, Tripler Army Medical Center
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Are Americans addicted to food? We've all heard the statistics that approximately two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese.

All of this despite the fact that at any given time well over 100 million Americans are on a diet, and the revenue of the weight loss industry is over $20 billion annually.

America's weight problem is likely due to a number of factors, one of which is our relationship with food.

Scientific studies show that certain foods affect our brains in a manner similar to alcohol, nicotine, and certain drugs.

At first, such foods are enticing because they release "feel-good" brain chemicals that can temporarily relieve emotional discomfort, anxiety, and sadness.

This is a process similar to drug addiction: the food triggers the reward center of the brain, causing a sense of pleasure.

But with frequent consumption of such foods, we can become physically and emotionally addicted.

According to the research presented in Dr. David Kessler's book "The End of Overeating", the most addictive foods are those that contain lots of added fat, sugar, and salt, of which sugar is the most addictive.

Highly processed foods, such as sugar and refined flours, have the greatest impact on our brains because they dramatically raise blood sugar and can override normal body mechanisms that tell us we have eaten enough.

Increased amounts are needed over time to satisfy cravings and avoid symptoms of withdrawal.

American's consumption of sugar (and other "natural sweeteners") has more than doubled in the last 100 years and refined flour/grain consumption has increased by almost 30% since the 1960's.

This increase in consumption is primarily due to the fact that food manufacturing companies engineer foods to have these addictive qualities so the general public will come back for more.

So how can you break the cycle of food cravings? Here is a list of the top 10 steps to take to overcome food addiction.

(For more information on these steps, see the nutrition clinic contact information or visit the website listed below).

1. Eliminate processed foods, sweeteners, flour, and any other foods that trigger you to overeat.

2. Prepare yourself for grocery shopping, and fill your kitchen with fresh, whole "real" foods.

3. Allow time to experience withdrawal symptoms from addictive foods.

4. Never skip meals and try to eat every 4-5 hours throughout the day.

5. Drink plenty of water.

6. Whenever possible, try to focus on mindful eating (i.e. eating without distractions such as television, working on the computer, or multi-tasking).

7. Take time to plan and cook healthy meals.

8. Get eight hours of sleep each night, and find enough down time for yourself during the day.

9. Make time to exercise every day.

10. Create a support system.

Food addiction is a real problem and is likely one of the contributing factors to our nation's growing weight problem. We must take control of our health and it starts with what you feed yourself -- "let food be thy medicine". Thomas Edison said it best: "the doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease."

For other tips on beating food addiction or for any other nutrition related concerns, you can contact the Tripler Army Medical Center Nutrition Outpatient Clinic at 808-433-4950.

*Information contained in this article adapted from: http://foodaddictionresearch.org/.

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