Nutrition

| Food Addiction |

Food Addiction – Causes and Manifestations
Food addiction, as with any addiction, is a loss of control. The individual understands that their way of eating is harmful, but continues the destructive behavior. The phenomenon of food addiction is both physiological and psychological.

Many individuals have what may be termed "food allergies." These are trigger foods which, when ingested, cause negative symptoms and changes in the body but at the same time provoke cravings. For instance, a Diabetic may become "sick" by the intake of sugar, but will still continue to crave it and eat it in excess, with adverse effects. Studies are also continuing regarding certain proteins in milk and wheat which, when ingested, produce narcotic-like effects. These chemicals mimic the body's natural painkillers, endorphins, and have thus been termed "exorphins."

Individuals may be suffering from depression, low self-esteem or loneliness; they will find a high when ingesting large quantities of food or certain foods such as salt or chocolate. The immediate high gives way to a sick feeling or guilt, leading to more depression. Because the addict is out of control, he or she will turn once again to the same eating patterns in a conscious or unconscious effort to feel better.

Food addicts come equally from all age, race, and gender groups. They are linked by their obsession with food. The obese individual suffers humiliation due to excess weight; they may be lethargic and sedentary, unable to move around freely and with ease. The underweight person may be bulimic; though they eat obsessively, they are so afraid of becoming overweight that they induce vomiting, take laxatives, or exercise compulsively to prevent weight gain. They may also alternate with periods of anorexia, refraining from food to control their weight. The person of normal weight while appearing normal may be obsessed with food, constantly thinking about what to eat or how much they weigh. The entire subject of food is a misery to them; they count calories compulsively, eating without enjoyment.

Food Addiction - Hope for Recovery?
Food addiction is a serious condition with many adverse health consequences. Obesity, psychological disorders, diabetes, and gastric anomalies are a few.

The first step toward recovery is realization and acceptance of the problem. Medically, individuals must identify which foods -- trigger foods -- cause allergic symptoms and cravings.

There is no easy way to combat food addiction; it requires intense discipline in modifying eating patterns and lifestyle. A manageable exercise program should be embraced along with dietary changes. Ambitious attempts to change eating patterns abruptly or to lose weight quickly rarely have long-term success.