Is It Possible To Be Addicted To Junk Food?
Men’s Health Magazine/March 201
Until recently, scientists didn’t believe people could become junk-food junkies. But a new Scripps Research Institute Study reveals that the same neurological and behavioral patterns seen in cocaine and heroin addicts are also present in obese rodents that are given extended access to a sweet, fatty buffet. “High-calorie foods trigger the release of dopamine, which results in a feel-good high,” says Louis Aronne, M.D., a clinical professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. But eat too much junk food for too long and dopamine will overwhelm your brain, causing it to compensate by decreasing the number of pleasure receptors. This means you’ll need to eat increasingly more food to achieve the same dopamine high, says Dr. Aronne. Of course for most people, the best way to kick your habit is to go cold turkey: Replace chips, ice cream, and candy with popcorn, yogurt, and fruit. When you want a filling snack, eat crunchy vegetables, like carrots, celery, and radishes dipped in salsa. Dr. Aronne also says it’s critical to reduce consumption of sodas (even diet ones) and juices because the sweetness can trigger overeating. Wean yourself by mixing your beverages with an equal part of water or club soda.
