Food addiction might play a role in America's obesity epidemic. A study published in the June 2009 issue of the "International Journal of Obesity" correlates opioids, a neurotransmitter in the brain, with pleasure connected to eating. Researchers theorize that this finding might have implications in fighting obesity. Certain foods contain opioids that might trigger overeating.
Wheat
Wheat contains opioid peptides that influence neurotransmitters, according to Dr. Brad Weeks, who believes wheat products might cause an addiction to eating, asthma and apathy, although scientific evidence does not back up these claims. You can find opioids in wheat products such as bread, pizza crust, and commercial and homemade pastries, cookies, cakes and other baked goods. Eat a gluten-free diet to avoid opioids in your meal plan.
Dairy
If you feel sleepy after eating cheese or drinking a glass of milk, the opioid peptides in dairy might be the culprit. The peptides allegedly lie in proteins common to dairy foods, such as casein and lactalbumin. These same proteins might trigger allergic reactions. If you are concerned about opioid ingestion, avoid foods such as yogurt, sour cream, ice cream, cottage cheese, butter, and all milks and cheeses.
Chocolate
A University of Michigan School of Public Health Study implicates chocolate as a food that might contain or trigger opioids related to eating. This response might be responsible for a psychological high many people experience after consuming chocolate -- some scientists refer to the trigger as "exorphins." While the reaction might be enjoyable, scientists say it might be responsible for eating disorders and other mental problems.
Sugar
ACORN Food Dependency Recovery Services says candy and other high-sugar foods might trigger opioid production in the brain. Sugar might become addictive because of its opioid effect. Many alternative sweeteners do not cause your brain to manufacture opioids, although you should avoid any sweetener that is made even in part from real sugar. You might also substitute fruit juices for granulated sugar.
References
- "International Journal of Obesity"; "Reward System and Food Intake"; B.A. Gosnell et al.; June 2009
- WeeksMD; "Addicted to Milk and Wheat"; Dr. B. Weeks; January 2008
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology; "Eating Without Casein"; June 2011
- Opioids.com; "Taste Responses and Preferences for Sweet, High-Fat Foods"; A. Drewnowski et al.; February 1992
- Alpha Nutrition Program: Trigger Foods and Opioids
- ACORN Food Dependence Recovery Services: The Science of Food Addiction
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