Are you a food addict?

These habits could grow gradually in people. They throw everything into their mouths to wade off depression according to experts. They may complain of eating large, yet won’t stop eating rather find pleasure in talking about what they’ve eaten in a day. Food addiction is a contemporary term used to describe a pathological disorder; the […]

These habits could grow gradually in people. They throw everything into their mouths to wade off depression according to experts. They may complain of eating large, yet won’t stop eating rather find pleasure in talking about what they’ve eaten in a day.

Food addiction is a contemporary term used to describe a pathological disorder; the compulsive, excessive craving for and consumption of food. This condition is not only manifested by the abnormal intake of food, but the intake and craving for foods that are, in themselves, harmful to the individual. While society and the medical profession have readily understood alcoholism and drug abuse, it is only in recent years that there is an equal acceptance of the fact that persons may be addicted to food in the same way. When any substance is taken into the body regardless of its potential for harm or in excess of need, that substance is said to be abused. Individuals who abuse substances in such a way are addicts; these persons become physiologically and mentally dependent upon certain substances, in this case food.

Food addiction, as with any other addiction, is a loss of control. The individual understands that their way of eating is harmful, but continues the destructive behaviour. The phenomenon of food addiction is both physiological and psychological.

But again, don’t mistake food addiction with over-eating in food gatherings or occasions because that is totally expected. Over-eating in parties is normal in many societies and the person can get back into his or her daily eating habit afterwards.

Food addiction is far beyond that. It involves a certain kind of craving that goes out of control and leads the person into eating compulsively, like any addict does with their addictive substance of choice.

Food addiction is a serious condition with many adverse health consequences. Obesity, psychological disorders, diabetes, and gastric anomalies are just a few.

The first step to recovery is, of course, the realization and acceptance of the problem. Medically, individuals must identify which foods — the trigger foods that cause allergic symptoms and cravings.

There is no easy way to combat food addiction; it will require intense discipline in modifying eating patterns and lifestyle. A manageable exercise program should be embraced along with dietary changes that may be maintained. Ambitious attempts to change eating patterns abruptly or to lose weight quickly rarely have long-term success.

Several options are available in the treatment of food addiction. These include consulting a nutritionist, doctor, psychologist or counselor. But here are steps that experts give as advice to help overcome food addiction.

•         Knowing which situations trigger your cravings, and avoiding them if possible

•         Drinking at least 4 liter of water per day

•         Relaxing with deep breathing exercises or meditation

•         Trying to distract yourself until the compulsion to eat passes

If you believe that eating addiction is causing problems in your life, seek medical assistance immediately.