The addictive properties of sweeteners and processed foods explain why billions of dollars are spent each year on diets and health 'remedies' for obesity and diabetes.
Scientific evidence shows that sugar acts on our bodies as a drug — not a food. The addictive nature of so-called “natural” sweeteners like sugar and...
Food addiction is very complex. Individuals can become addicted for a combination of reasons: • Genetics • Family history of substance addiction • Neurotransmitter imbalance •...
High-glycemic foods cause the release of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin and endorphins—natural opiates that make us ‘feel good’. These neurotransmitters are also released with the use...
Because digestion begins in the brain, the very thought, memory, sight or smell of food can trigger cravings. In conjunction with physiological and emotional imbalances in...
Food-addiction cravings can be similar to the effects a cocaine or heroin addict experiences. The main difference is that food is legal, socially acceptable and highly...
Similar to alcoholism and drug abuse, addictive eating tends to get worse. Over time, the brain needs more and more addictive foods to keep getting short-term...
When we attempt to eliminate an addictive substance, a physical experience known as ‘withdrawal’ occurs. Withdrawal symptoms can include severe anxiety, headaches, sadness, anger, sweating, shaking,...
In addition to the physical symptoms of withdrawal, many uncomfortable emotions can arise. People going through withdrawal often need support while adapting to life without the...
With the introduction of industrialized foods, our shopping environments have changed dramatically in the last 60 years. On average, today’s supermarket carries 47,000 food products, most...
Food addiction is elusive; it doesn’t always ‘look’ the same. It affects both men and women, and it can occur at any age. People addicted to...
For many people, healing from food addiction demands a total lifestyle change, and this will be a lifelong challenge. It takes time for our brain chemistry...
Chef Jamie Oliver believes we need a food revolution that will create change on both the individual and government levels. He makes a case for an all-out assault on our ignorance of food and is transforming the way we feed ourselves and our children through education.
To prevent childhood obesity, Dr. Sanders-Butler, the principal of Browns Hill elementary school, banned sugar. Removing sugar from the school resulted in the added benefits of higher test scores and fewer disciplinary problems. Dr. Sanders-Butler is a pioneer who has created a proven solution for other schools to follow.
Dr. Mark Hyman is a leading expert in functional medicine and recognizes that food stimulates the same reward centers of the brain as drugs of abuse. He discusses ways to overcome food addiction by using food as medicine. Food addiction is not about willpower; it’s about changing your biology.
“Let your medicines be your foods and your foods your medicine.”
Hippocrates “father of medicine” 4th Century BC
