Facts About Junk Food Addiction

Cocaine, Heroin, Hershey's, Fritos-what do all of these substances have in common? Recent studies suggest that junk food has some of same addictive properties as hard drugs like cocaine and heroin as they stimulate the brain in a similar fashion in terms of satisfaction and the need for another 'fix'.

Sugar, salt, and fat seem to be the dangerous ingredients finding their way to the brain's pleasure centre, hitting what's known as the bliss point causing the brain to feel rewarded, but only for a short period of time before requiring a secondary dose of the source, and as this cycle progresses the need for the substance becomes greater, more frequent, and in higher doses to get the same pleasurable feeling. This drives craving and addictive behaviour, and in turn, increased consumption of these junk foods. The corporations responsible for the production of these foods have it down to a science-neuroscience. They have manipulated the levels of sugar, salt, and fats in such a way to cause that 'high' that consumers have come to expect when enjoying their favourite snacks.

Why sugar? As mentioned, sugar drives the brain to reach its bliss point, resulting in the euphoric spike and quick decline of satisfaction working the craving/response cycle.

The fat? The pleasure derived from the fat is known in the industry as the 'mouth feel'. The tactile sensation of something crispy or gooey for example that triggers a similar response to sugar in the pleasure centre.

And the Salt? Salt is mostly about flavour and increased shelf life. It's about that overwhelming burst of satisfying salty flavour that drives the brain to crave more. We have all heard the saying from the popular chip brand Lay's that state "Bet you can't eat just one". Lay's and other similar companies bank on this bet and have used just the right combination of the sugar, salt, fat, and other natural and artificial flavour enhancers to ensure repeat customers.

While the brain is manipulated internally, we are also sold on these products before they even entre our bodies. Mass marketing has been done to ensure our subconscious is continually blasted with media such as print ads and commercials, jingles, and slogans that keep them top of mind when reaching for our next movie snack or work break fix. Their packaging is also done to appeal to the eye with bright colours and wording that gets them from the shelves to our carts without even really wanting them!

First world countries, while have both the knowledge on why these products are unhealthy and the access to whole foods and healthy alternatives, continue to select over-processed, engineered, high-calorie, low-nutritional value foods. Why? Because it's become an addiction. The conglomerates have used the above methods to get us hooked on these foods much like the cigarette companies have continued to keep millions smoking when the risks have been presented to the buyer right on the packaging! Just saying 'No' may no longer be the issue, nor a lack of will power either.

Junk Food Addiction has led to some morbid obesity in the US & Canada and it's time for a change. Challenge yourself to spend 90% of your family food budget on whole foods and only 10% on processed, packaged foods. This simple change can alter your diet and health tenfold! Shake excess weight not only with diet, but add exercise, and increase hydration to see best results. Help fight against junk food addiction and tell corporations such as Lay's that "Yes we can eat just one, only we choose to eat none".

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