by Alison Anton
Truth is, were all addicted to food. Even great saints and sages note that eating, and all its entrapments, is one of the toughest disciplines to master. It's a lifelong process of intentional work, but recent nutritional addvances show that we can get a foothold with a basic understanding of brain chemistry and why it has such an effect on the foods and substances we crave.
We all know that we need food to fulfill a very specific function: to survive. Obviously, getting control over food cravings is not about giving up food altogether, like an alcoholic would give up liquor or a drug addict would abstain from cocaine. In many ways, food addiction can be harder to manage because addictive foods are not only legal, they are "used" everyday by the most important people in our lives: our family members, spouses, friends, co-workers and authority figures.
From this perspective, we really need to remember that food addictions, and trying to get off of them, is no trivial matter. It may be the hardest thing we do in our lives. Even in cases of drug and alcohol addiction, recovering patients more often than not turn their addictive behavior to food. Something needs to" fill the gap", and food -- particularly sugar, starch and caffeine -- is the fallback. Find out why:
Food, Survival and the "Brain Reward" System
There's a reason why eating (and sex for that matter) feel so good. Since both are biological actions that promise the survival of our species, the body naturally makes them feel good by releasing "pleasure chemicals" that trigger a feeling of reward (CMAJ, 2001). These crucial brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, insure that we take action, like eating or having sex, again and again... and again and again.
Foods, drugs, sex and even activities like shopping, gambling or online gaming, can also modulate the release of brain reward chemicals. We literally can get addicted to any substance or activity that stimulates us or brings temporary pleasure. With food addiction, stimulating foods such as sugar, starch, coffee and chocolate are the biggest culprits. Although these foods are certainly not a necessity for our survival, each enter the bloodstream very quickly, leading to a quick release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and endorphins into the system. Again, these chemicals stimulate pleasure, and more often than not, it's the quick release of "feel good" chemicals we are addicted to, not the food itself. A quick rise leads to a quick drop, and the cycle of craving starts all over again. Over time, this yo-yo pattern can deplete the body of energy, nutrients and vitality.
So How Can We Stop the Cycle?
In many cases, it's usually the depletion of brain chemicals that fuels the need for sugar, drugs, caffeine or addictive activities. Neurotransmitters can become depleted through stress, dieting, chemical addiction and even from genetic predisposition. When the balance of brain chemicals becomes stable, steady and sufficient, cravings and addictions naturally subside.
To replete a loss of brain chemicals, Julia Ross, author of The Mood Cure, recommends the use of isolated amino acids to fill the gap when cravings or crashes take hold. Many people feel an almost instantaneous effect on mood, cravings and energy level after taking aminos specific to their individual deficiencies.
Marci Goldman, Holistic Nutrition Counselor and mentor of Julia Ross, relates addiction-based symptoms such as low energy, stress, comfort eating or depression to a depletion of one or all of the four main neurotransmitter categories. Once she can isolate the general deficiency, an amino acid program is initiated:
Symptom: Emotional Eating/Comfort Eating
Brain Chemical Deficiency: Seratonin
Amino Acid Therapy: 5HTP, L-Tryptophan
Symptom: Stress/Anxiety
Brain Chemical Deficiency: GABA
Amino Acid Therapy: GABA
Symptom: Low Energy/Low Drive
Brain Chemical Deficiency: Catacholamines (dopamine, adrenaline)
Amino Acid Therapy: L-Tyrosine
Symptom: Depression/Sensitivity
Brain Chemical Deficiency: Endorphins
Amino Acid Therapy: DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) or D-Phenylalanine (DPA)
Obviously, each individual's case requires an in depth assessment and a specific plan that meets the person's unique makeup. It is recommended to see a trained nutritional advisor before starting therapy, but a good start is to pick up one of Julia Ross' books: The Mood Cure or The Diet Cure. Isolated amino acids can be purchased through nutrition professionals or can be found over the counter in the supplements section at natural foods stores.
As far as diet, Goldman advises an increase of protein, since protein breaks down into amino acids in the body. With a steady supply of protein throughout the day, isolated amino acid supplements can be decreased within a matter of a few months, as the brain chemicals gradually balance out. Good sources of protein are from animal products, soy, green algae and whole grains like quinoa and amaranth.
With even a basic understanding of brain chemistry and the food/mood connection, those of us with food addictions can stop the destructive emotional pattern of feeling weak-willed, lazy or just plain crazy. Food addictions have less to do with will power than they do with a simple imbalance of brain chemicals that can be significantly improved in a short amount of time. Yes, there are psychological, emotional and mental aspects to all addictions, but it should ease our minds knowing that much of the battle can be addressed through smart use of nutrients and a diet rich in whole, healthy foods.
Bibliography:
CMAJ, 2001: 164(6)
Ross, Julia. The Diet Cure. New York. Penguin Group, 2001.
Goldman, Marcie. Holistic Nutrition Counselor. February 29, 2008.
©2008 Copyright Alison Anton - All rights reserved.