FOOD ADDICTION: REASONS WHY IT OCCURS Research shows that up to fifty percent of those who are obese may be addicted to food. Thirty percent of overweight and twenty percent of normal weight Americans may be addicted to specific foods or food quantity in general. Food addiction is recognized today as a chronic disease that changes both brain structure and function. The first time a person enjoys an addictive experience, the brain’s pleasure or reward center “ lights up” when it secretes dopamine that binds with its receptor called the D2 receptor. When this occurs, the brain experiences a “hit”” of pleasure and reward. When the neurotransmitters Glutamate and Dopamine combine, they create the memory of the “high”. The next time a person eats their Crispy Creamy Donut, the brain’s reward center is activated. Repeated over stimulation of this reward center leads to receptor resistance and decreasing sense of pleasure or reward. A person doesn’t feel anywhere near the pleasure and reward once enjoyed. This creates a new tolerance which means a person wants more and more of the fix but never achieves the same “high” again. The addictive cravings grow stronger. Repetition causes our brain function to change from” liking” to” wanting” and a person’s reasoning and emotions begin a “tug of war” to control the addictive behavior. Compulsion takes over and intense cravings follow based on the brain’s memories of the highs and lows. The positive effects of a master hormone called Leptin are interrupted and the body no longer “hears” the messages telling it to stop eating and to burn fat. For more detailed information about food addictions, I recommend reading:” The Hunger Fix” by Dr. Pamela Fix and” 7 Secrets to Wellness” and “Change Your Brain and Change Your Life” by Dr. Timothy Gerhart. By: Dr. Timothy Gerhart, D.C., D.A.B.C.I., Dip Ac. and Caren Marshall MSW, CHC, CLP www.wellnessbydesignpro.com www.brainwellnesspeoria.com Resources: The Hunger Fix by Dr. Pamela Peek 7 Secrets to Wellness by Dr. Timothy Gerhart Change Your Brain, Transform Your Life by Dr. Timothy Gerhart Grain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter