FOOD ADDICTION AND IT’S CAUSES Some causes for addictions can be related to trauma during the formative years of childhood to young adulthood when we are particulary vulnerable to epigenic influence.(Changes to our “software” that turns the gene “hardware” on and off). As a result, it is important to look at the mental,spiritual and psychodynamics of a person’s past experiences. It is also important to realize that there can be a strong likelhood of cross addiction, meaning that as a person detoxes from alcohol, drugs, nicotine or orther addictions, they often transition from one addictive behavior to another. And, designer foods with added flavor enhancers, can release ten times the amont of dopamine of unaltered food. Sugar and high fructose corn syrup are highly addictive as are grains that rapidly break down into sugar. Using brain imaging, researchers confirm that highly processed carbohydrates ( sugar and grains) stimulate brain regions involved in reward and cravings, promoting excess hunger. Addictions cause actual brain changes and support autoimmune damage and diabetes/insulin resistence. For more information about food addictions, I recommend reading: The Hunger Fix by Dr. Pamela Peeke. Also , 7 Secrets to Wellness” and “Change Your Brain, Transform Your Life” by Dr. Timothy Gerhart. By: Dr. Timothy Gerhart D.C., A.D.a.B.C. I., Dipl Ac.and Caren Marshall MSW, CHC, CLP www.wellnessbydesignpro.com www.brainwellnesspeoria Resources: The Hunger Fix by Dr.Pamela Peeks 7 Secrets to Wellness and Change Your Brain Transform Your Life by Dr. Timothy Gerhart