Addictions to alcohol and drugs are regarded by most as serious conditions. However, many people will laugh at the idea of 'food addiction'. Yet food addictions cause prolonged suffering, chronic diseases and an early death.
Food addiction relates to certain items people eat; these are mostly high sugar, carbohydrate, poor quality fats, high salt and highly processed foods.
If we look at the types of foods considered likely to trigger and exacerbate food addiction, we see they contain sugar, damaging fats and refined grains; for example chocolate, biscuits, potato chips, flavoured milk, hot chips, ice cream, muesli bars, pies, soft drinks, and many takeaways. In addition, many of these foods contain artificial preservatives, colourings and flavourings, which do nothing to promote health.
Whether or not you consider yourself to be a food addict, or overweight, “addictive foods" increase your risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, mental health problems and other illness. The “addictive foods” not only provide very little Magnesium, Zinc and B Vitamins, but also cause your body to lose these nutrients. Magnesium, Zinc and the B Vitamins are particularly important to mental health. Without them we are more likely to succumb to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and addictive disorders.
We recommend the Entire Katoa Food State range of supplements as this range has a high absorption, is highly bioavailable, and so is a low dose supplement. Read more about Food State supplements at www.entirekatoa.co.nz
To overcome food addiction, similar strategies are needed which apply to other addictive situations. Avoid addictive foods/drinks. Be aware of triggers for taking foods. Find ways to avoid/manage triggers. Use herbal medicines and nutrients (in diet and supplements) to strengthen the nervous system, adrenal and other systems to help with biochemical triggers. Many more strategies can help – this is a big topic one to give serious attention too.
Contact Bay Health Clinic today to find out more or to book a consultation with one of our Naturopaths; if needed they will also prepare tailored herbal medicines and recommend supplements to help you feel your best. Call 07 571 3226 or email us: ask@bayhealth.nz
Original 4th Dec 2014 Copyright Jaine Kirtley
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