Have you ever wondered why we can’t resist reaching for that bag of potato chips or grabbing a chocolate bar even when we’re not truly hungry? The truth is, much like drugs, junk food is highly addictive. Foods with a high glycemic index, such as processed and highly refined products, impact the parts of our brains responsible for hunger, natural rhythms, and body cycles, according to a study by PubMed.
The Hidden Addiction in Our Food
In a recent study, participants were divided into two groups. One group received a high-glycemic milkshake, and the other group received a milkshake with the same calorie content and flavor but with a low glycemic index. Researchers found that the high-glycemic group felt hungrier after four hours than the low-glycemic group. Moreover, brain scans revealed that those who consumed the high-glycemic shake had an intense response in their brains’ pleasure centers, similar to the effects of heroin or cocaine. This indicates that these types of foods are highly addictive.
A majority of junk food contains sugar and wheat, both of which contribute to various modern diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Rat studies have shown that when given sugar, behavioral and neurochemical changes occur, mimicking narcotics’ effects. These changes relate to the dopamine and opioid receptors in the brain, further increasing the addictive qualities of these foods.
Additionally, when digested, wheat breaks down into four types of opioid peptides. It is believed that these peptides can cross from the digestive tract into the bloodstream and then into the brain, where they stimulate opiate receptors. This effectively means that an addiction to wheat products is formed, making it challenging to resist processed snacks and fast foods.
The Danger of Acidosis
A recurring diet of processed and fast foods is highly acidic and can create a condition known as acidosis. Acidosis occurs when the body is too acidic (with the exception of the stomach, which should be highly acidic) and can result in chronic degenerative diseases such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, emphysema, arteriosclerosis, and heart disease.
In addition to causing obesity and numerous other chronic degenerative conditions, fast foods have been linked to health issues such as asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema, as per a report in the journal THORAX. Asthma, like celiac and gluten sensitivity, is an autoimmune disease. Doctors have found that asthma sufferers often experience relief when they eliminate gluten from their diets.
Making Healthier Choices
For optimal health, it’s crucial to reduce or eliminate processed foods and sugar or chemical sugar substitutes from our diets. Instead, choose whole and primarily plant-based foods such as organic vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and smaller amounts of free-range meats and dairy products.
When grocery shopping, try to avoid the center aisles filled with processed foods, and opt for fresh produce instead. Always read food labels to check for hidden sugars and additives. Planning healthy meals and snacks in advance will make it easier to resist temptation and support long-term health and well-being.
Taking control of our diets and understanding food’s addictive properties can empower us to make informed choices, ultimately leading to a healthier, happier life.
