"I bet you can't eat just one."
This familiar slogan for Lay's potato chips may not only ring true with those golden, crispy snacks but with all junk foods. A recently published study from scientists at The Scripps Research Institute shows that addiction to junk food bingeing is caused by the same compulsions that drives people into drug addiction.
The study, which took three years to complete, used rat models to demonstrate that the same changes occuring in the brains of rats that overused cocaine and heroin were duplicated in rats that were allowed to overconsume high-calorie, high-fat foods. When the rats were given uninhibited access to foods like bacon, sausage, and cheesecake, they quickly developed compulsive overeating habits and as a result became obese. The animals totally lost control over their eating behavior, a basic indicator of addiction. Even when the animals began to anticipate receiving electric shocks as a deterent to eating, they continued to overconsume the junk food. When the animals were cut off from their junk food and given a nutritious diet, they refused to eat at all for two weeks.
The changes that occured inside the animals' brains are the same that occur in that of a drug addict's. The pleasure centers of the brain became so overstimulated by the fatty, high-calorie foods that the reward pathways decrease their activity. To accomodate this, the brain needs constantly increasing stimulation to avoid falling into a state of negative reward.
In humans, the D2 receptor responds to dopamine, a neurotransmitter, that is released in the brain when we experience pleasure from things like food, sex, or drugs. In drug abuse, the overstimulance of this receptor is caused by an overflow of dopamine, which is what causes addicts to continuously need more and more of the drug to get the same high. The study by Scripps shows that the same thing happens in junk food addiction. Couple that with being constantly surrounded with conveniently priced and placed junk food, it can be a habit that is extremely hard to kick.
This study confirms what most of us have probably experienced--once you start eating those Girl Scout cookies or potato chips, it's hard to stop at just one! Now that we know there is an actual chemical reaction in our brains (not just our taste buds), what can we do to combat this behavior before it becomes a problem? Well, the best way would be to completely steer clear of any processed, over-sugared, highly fattening substance...but that's just not realistic. Instead of the all or nothing approach, it's best to stick with the moderation approach. Eat a wide variety of whole foods every day consisting of fruits, vegetables, greens, nuts, protein and grains. Focus on doing this the majority of the time so that your body is satiated and your brain has the fuel to say No to poor food choices. Exercise daily so that your body craves the things that are going to help it stay strong and fit. Drink water and fruit juices and avoid using sweeteners when possible; just as your brain gets used to and craves junk foods, you can also train it to enjoy the natural flavors of fresh food and crave those instead.
If you or someone you know has a problem with overeating, know that it is not uncommon and there is help for it. Just as Alcoholics Anonymous has programs to help those with drug and alcohol addiction, Overeaters Anonymous is a support group for those with compulsive eating disorders. Always remember that the staff at Anytime Fitness St. Paul is here for you to support you in every step of your journey to health, fitness and well being. We have trainers and group classes that can offer you the individualized support you may need to overcome a junk food addiction. You wouldn't expect an alcoholic or drug addict to quit without help, why should this be any different?
Remember, before you pick up that Twinkie or make one last stop at the fast food joint, you could be putting yourself one step back on your road to personal health and wellness.
For more information on this study and others, visit Science Daily.com: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100328170243.htm
Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 11:43AM