Is That Potato Chip A Drug? Could You Be a Food Addict?

Unlike alcohol or drugs, food is essential for life. Though some diet culture enthusiasts may disagree, we need a balance and variety of all foods in our diet to thrive physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.

Previously, I discussed the damage that diet and wellness culture have had on healthcare and society. I purposely covered these concepts before taking on the topic of “food addiction” and eating disorders, because it is important to be aware of the cultural, sociological, and psychological contexts and belief systems one’s behavior is stemming from.

In my latest article, I now take on the topic of food addiction.

I discuss:

• The history of using food restriction to portray restraint, control, and purification of the body.
• How disordered eating can be normalized, even exalted, in health and wellness communities.
• The cautions we need to be aware of when placing mental health labels on eating behavior.
• The arguments for food addiction. These include the neurophysiology and psychological alterations that occur with food and that impact food behaviors and how hyperpalatable food ignites the brain’s reward and pleasure centers.
• The caveats of notating food as a substance of abuse, such as not accounting for restriction and dieting in food addiction studies, how deprivation impacts food behavior in humans and rodents, how pleasure in all forms impact brain processing, and the dangers of stigma.
• How food addiction has not yet met the criteria to be classified under addictions.

Click here to learn more.

As a naturopathic doctor, I uphold the belief that food can be a form of medicine and nourishes the brain and body. However, I do feel that moralizing food and eating practices leads to shame, lowered self-esteem, and is extremely dangerous.

As the science continues to evolve regarding “eating addiction” and “food addiction,” let’s keep in mind the delicacy of the topic and the complexity it entails.

I ask all healthcare providers to be aware of the potential dangers of mental health labels and to not confuse opinion and selected literature citations as final proof.

For all consumers, if you are struggling with eating and it is causing you distress and to miss out on events because of the food there, please reach out to an eating disordered specialist. Preferably, find one who is also awake to the dangers of diet and wellness culture and will not perpetuate the sick cycle. You are not alone.

Empower yourself with information here.

In an upcoming article, I will summarize more of the major considerations, pros, cons, and characteristics associated with food addiction.

*Important Note:

If you struggle with mental health, please reach out for professional mental health support.

You may also wish to consider implementing holistic resources and partnering with a naturopathic doctor.

For example, I offer mind-body support for general mood issues using a functional medicine and wellness-oriented approach.