High-calorie foods are physically and psychologically addictive. A 2008 study published in the medical journal "Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Review" found that rats consuming sugar develop symptoms similar to those seen in animals given addictive drugs such as nicotine and cocaine. People who compulsively overeat often struggle with addiction symptoms, making weight loss extremely challenging. Although there are no proven treatments for food addiction, several medicinal herbs may help to alleviate certain symptoms.
Ginseng
Both American and Korean ginseng are known as "adaptogens," or products that facilitate the body's adaptation to stress. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, people using ginseng supplements appear to cope with stress with fewer fluctuations in sleep, appetite, mood or sex drive. Food addicts who overeat while stressed may find ginseng beneficial, since it helps to shield the body from many of the effects of stress. However, more studies are needed to demonstrate ginseng's safety and efficacy as a weight loss aid conclusively.
Stevia
Stevia, also known as "sweetleaf," is a plant with leaves that are hundreds of times as sweet as refined sugar. Dried stevia contains no calories whatsoever and can help to naturally satisfy cravings in people who are coping with sugar addiction. Unlike conventional sweeteners, which cause an abrupt spike in blood sugar levels, stevia actually helps to increase glucose tolerance. A 1986 study published in the "Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research" found that adults using stevia experienced less physical stress, and better overnight blood sugar levels, than those who were not given the substance. For food addicts, who often have low glucose tolerance, these benefits are particularly valuable.
Gymnema Sylvestre
Used extensively in Ayurveda, a traditional medicine system originating in India, the herb gymnema sylvestre may help to treat food addiction. A 1992 evaluation published in the "Critical Reviews of Food Science and Nutrition" speculated that gymnema could become popular as an alternative sweetener. Gymnemic acid, found in the leaves of the plant, can block the taste buds' ability to perceive sweetness for several hours after the plant is chewed. This could treat food addiction by stopping the satisfying emotional reaction that comes from tasting sweetness. Gymnema may also help to stabilize blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, the FDA has not yet approved the herb's use as an artificial sweetener or as a drug.
Psyllium Husk
Psyllium husk is a concentrated source of fiber. When it interacts with digestive juices, it expands to form a slick, gel-like substance that helps to regulate bowel movements. The National Institutes of Health acknowledges psyllium husk's potential as a weight loss aid, but it does not reference any specific evidence that it works. In theory, psyllium could help to combat food addiction by expanding in the digestive tract and increasing sensations of satiety, or fullness, without adding a significant amount of calories to the user's total dietary intake. Since it is well-tolerated by most healthy adults, psyllium husk may be worthwhile to food addicts.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asian Ginseng
- "Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research"; Effect of Stevia rebaudiana on Glucose Tolerance in Normal Adult Humans; R. Curi, et al.; 1986
- Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition: Characteristics of Anti-Sweet Substances, Sweet Proteins and Sweetness-Inducing Proteins; Y. Kurihara; 1992.
- National Institutes of Health: Blond Psyllium
