Have you ever wondered why it feels so great to dig into a freshly baked pizza or why you so thoroughly love indulging in chocolate fudge milkshakes, even though you know that these decisions are generally not in your best interests? The answer involves the way certain foods can stimulate brain reactions that make us feel happy. It's important to consider what happens when the need for that feeling turns into an addiction.
When we give in to our cravings for normally forbidden foods, we experience a feeling of instant gratification. This is caused by a sudden surge of "pleasure" chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, both of which have been seen to increase in the brains of those who are hooked on recreational substances. This is not to say that people should place that type of addiction to food on a level playing field. It is simply a connection that indicates a similar reaction in the brain when exposed to certain stimuli.
Many of the foods to which Americans become addicted contain high glycemic index carbohydrates, or carbs that result in a rapid increase in blood sugar. They are easily found in the baked goods and snacks sections of any supermarket and generally catch our attention when our bodies are feeling fatigued. Some examples are bagels, donuts, breads made with white flour, pretzels, crackers, potato chips and pastries. The blood glucose high we experience shortly after consuming these types of snacks feels good. Unfortunately, this effect is temporary, leading us quickly back to the source of the energy boost for more.
It may seem easy enough for an outsider to suggest distraction from food or simply eating less, but the answer is hardly ever so cut and dry for someone who is truly struggling with this type of addiction. While making healthy dietary choices on a daily basis is a key component of avoiding an ongoing problem, you still may find that you need further assistance from a doctor. This is particularly true if the food to which you are addicted is causing a medical issue, such as joint degeneration and arthritis that may be associated with excessive poor food consumption. It is important to remember that this is more than excess hunger or a mere weight control problem, but a potential risk factor for many more serious conditions and that it is possible to stop it before it negatively affects your health.