It is holiday again and we are exposed to the temptation to eat a lot during the celebration!
Sugar increases the neurotransmitter Dopamine surge 1.5 to 2x, which is similar to alcohol and nicotine.
Dopamine in the striatum of the brain is associated with movements and rewarding behavior. Eating food releases dopamine in the brain. More dopamine means repeating the movements, repeating the behavior for our survival. Eating becomes a habit, a subconscious behavior. Do you think you are really the one deciding what to eat everyday? or your habit brain, the striatum?
Ultra Processed Food:
⁃ These are substances extracted from
the food, starches and hydrogenated fats.
⁃ They put SEA of additives:
S = stabilizers (preserve the
structure or texture of
the food)
E = emulsifiers (which keep
oil and water mixed
together)
A = artificial flavors
Many processed food lack the fiber that our microbiome needs. They are essentially predigested, easily absorbed and readily enhance the dopamine release (the”Bliss Point”).
We have seen an increase in the diet-related mortality and chronic diseases and they are hard to control.
Social and Psychological Forces behind the Food Industry:
⁃ Processed food are very accessible, affordable and aggressively advertised for generations. They are everywhere and constantly reminding our brain.
⁃ That “perfect storm” has created generations of people who know processed food are NOT HEALTHY but still compulsively consume them. We are just like “farmed” fish fed with chemicals, caught in the net.
Remember, “When it is in a box or in package with a label, it is not a food. It’s a chemical!”
Happy Holidays to all!
From,
R. De La Rosa, MD
Dec 25, 2023
