Food addiction is a condition in which someone develops a compulsive relationship with food. Processed foods that are high in sugar, fat and salt lend themselves to this relationship. There is growing scientific research indicating that the neurobiological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have many similarities with addiction to alcohol and cocaine.
Text and image Richenel Ellecom
This condition is characterized by loss of control over food intake, regularly eating more than one intended, strong cravings for food without feeling hungry, constantly thinking about food, continuing the behavior despite physical or social harm, failing to stop the behavior, and eating to reduce negative feelings.
“The challenge with food addiction is that food is an important part of human existence. We cannot live without food”
Despite the fact that food does not contain toxic or addictive substances according to the traditional definition, food can be used to promote emotional regulation. Examples include: nutrition to reduce anxiety, to soothe sadness, to compensate for loneliness, to regulate stress and to fill feelings of emptiness. So a vicious circle can arise: stress–eating–temporary relief–guilt–more stress–eating again.
Biochemical mechanisms
There are biochemical (chemical processes in the body) that underlie the visible symptoms. The dopamine system functions as the primary reward system in the body.
Sugar and fat stimulate strong dopamine release. After prolonged overstimulation, the number of dopamine receptors decreases and tolerance develops, resulting in the need for more and more food to achieve the same reward effect. This cycle is very similar to that of cocaine and nicotine.
During eating, the endogenous opioids, endorphins and enkephalin are released. They cause relaxation, comfort and pain reduction.
Carbohydrate-rich (starch) foods temporarily increase serotronin levels, which improves mood and reduces anxiety.
The endocannabinoid system (similar to the primary component in marijuana) increases appetite, increases pleasure and enhances the food reward effect.
Ghrelin is the hunger hormone that stimulates appetite, dopamine release and the urge for food. Leptin is the hormone that signals satiety. When one is obese, leptin resistance develops, which causes the brain to think that one is still hungry.
Chronic high sugar intake causes insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can lead to increased fat storage, increased hunger and increased food cravings.
The metabolic syndrome refers to the physiological changes that occur as a result of the biochemical changes. This syndrome is characterized by obesity, type-2 diabetes, hypertension and liver fat.
Brain networks involved
The networks that control the thoughts, feelings and behavior surrounding food addiction are: the reward network, the salience network, the executive control network, the limbic network and the default mode network.
The reward network places a high priority on food intake. The executive control network does not work optimally to regulate the appropriate quantity and quality of food choice. The limbic network conditions the use of food to assuage negative emotional memories and stress responses. Overactivation of the default mode network leads to worry, food-related fantasies and obsessive food thoughts.
Underlying psychological traumas
There are underlying traumatic experiences that support the visible food behavior. So in this case, food represents more than just food. Food has a function of emotional security, love and affirmation.
Unresolved childhood traumas, such as emotional neglect, abuse and rejection, are also processed through food addiction. An insecure childhood attachment experience, characterized by chronic feelings of emptiness, fear of abandonment, emotional tension, negative self-image and interpersonal conflict, is processed through these unhealthy relationships with food.
Treatment
Drug treatment alone has a limited influence on the food addiction process, just like with other addictions. Medications can be used for short periods of time to suppress depression, impulse control and anxiety. They should never be used on a long-term basis without in-depth psychological guidance.
There are several types of psychotherapy described in the literature. In my experience, cognitive reconstruction, psychodynamic therapy and trauma therapy in the hands of an experienced therapist have the best results.
The challenge with food addiction is that food is an important part of human existence. We cannot live without food. The ultimate goal is daily regulation of food consumption. This regulation can arise from learning to modulate the interpretation of the sensory stimuli the person encounters, identifying the resulting feelings and behavior.
The prognosis is good with early recognition, treatment of the underlying psychological factors, exercise, nutritional regulation, restful sleep, involvement and social support from the family by a trans-disciplinary team.
*If you would like more information, please contact the writer
Richenel Ellecom (899-6441/(email protected)), Psy.D., Dr.PH, HSPP, is a preventive medicine and medical nutritional specialist, as well as a clinical and forensic neuropsychologist.
