Addicted to Junk Food? How to Break the Cycle

by A. Grano on April 23rd, 2010 at 12:00 pm

“It’s not me, it’s the MSG!” was a common cry from frustrated dieters when reports on the prevalence of the flavor enhancer surfaced. Now, a new study in Nature Neuroscience highlights similar addictive qualities of high-fat, high-calorie foods in general, MSG aside.

“Bad” food on the brain

It’s hard to believe that food can be lumped into the addictive substance category, but science shows it to be true. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is a food additive known as an excitotoxin that “excites” the brain and nervous system. With this stimulation comes cravings for foods containing MSG – regardless of how full we are.

Similarly, the junk food study found comparable effects on the brain, creating an insatiable appetite after consumption of fattening foods, requiring more and more to reach and retain that heightened, pleasurable feeling.

Beware what you eat

It may be more expensive and time-consuming initially to diligently evaluate your eating options, but the ill effects on health from obesity and MSG are far more costly in the long run.

• Learn to read food labels carefully! Even if you try to stay away from “unhealthy” foods, you may be unknowingly self-sabotaging and ingesting various forms of “hidden” MSG in ingredients like monopotassium glutamate, hydrolyzed corn protein, or even yeast extract!
• When dining out, pay attention to how food is prepared. While sautéed may be better than fried, your chicken may be simmering in additive-laden juices or your steak topped off with a smothering of butter to make it extra moist.
• Consume more fresh, unprocessed foods and go organic if you can, especially on produce, meats, and dairy products.
• Plan meals in advance to avoid a fast-food binge after a long day. Preparing your lunches and snacks also helps to ward off temptation.
• Try a cup of green tea- it’s a great source of antioxidants, which can help flush your system, plus its detoxifying properties have been linked to weight reduction.

Finding the right balance

Reaching your ideal weight requires patience, healthy eating, balanced nutrition and exercise. To assist weight stabilization and balance, herbal and homeopathic remedies are gentle on the body and offer support to help avoid diet detours.

Fucus vesiculosis, Taraxacum officinalis, Glycorrhiza glabra, and Erythrea centaurium can help to boost the metabolism, improve liver and digestive functioning and keep the weight off. Another helpful herb is Garcinia cambogia that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as a natural appetite suppressant.

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