Join ABC Channel 10 in Ft. Lauderdale as they interview Dr. Cali Estes and her student, Don Prince on food addiction. Not sure if you have a food addiction? Listen in and see if these criteria apply to you.
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To Save One Life: How to tackle food addiction
Excerpt from article:
PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – An increasing number of studies suggest food has highly addictive qualities that are just difficult to overcome. The need for food is a basic requirement for human survival, but it can also be abused.
Don Prince said that for years he has struggled with an unhealthy relationship with food. Addiction is a progressive condition when untreated.
“I just took for granted the health portion of my life,” Prince said. “It was more about having a stack of Oreo cookies with a glass of milk at 10 o’clock at night while I am watching TV in bed. I would justify the cookies … When you are bored, you stick your hand in the bag of Oreos and that’s when food addiction occurs.”
Dr. Cali Estes, a psychologist who specializes in addiction, is among the experts who believe sugar and flour, much like heroin and cocaine, activate dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain, and can affect those who are more susceptible to addiction.
Estes said the foods trigger pleasure sensors that prompt feelings of satisfaction. Similar to drugs and alcohol, Estes said some people use these foods to suppress emotions.
“It’s a numbing out effect,” Estes said. “It’s a short window while you are eating it, or thinking about it, but it’s enough serotonin dopamine to make you happy for a short period.”
