Food Abuse Among the Overweight is Staggering
Overeating and Binge Eating Can Lead to Obesity with Help from MSG
Feb 7, 2009
Food abuse is the same as food addiction, and like alcohol or drug addiction, it is a health matter that must be taken seriously. This issue affects Canadians, Americans and is worldwide. Some people seek comfort through food which is called emotional eating. The more alarming concern is what the food industry adds to foods that create unhealthy food addicts.
In 2004, about 6.8 million Canadians (20-64 years old) were overweight with another 4.5 million who were obese. In the U.S., 65 million women and 68.3 million men over the age of 20 were either overweight or obese. According to the World Health Organization, this escalating global epidemic of obesity is coined “globesity”.
MSG Pandemic
There's no doubt that food is essential for survival. In trying times, some turn to comfort food to help them through stressful moments. For others, food becomes an addiction due to a variety of reasons.
Monosodium glutamate is added to foods as a flavor enhancer and is found in a multitude of foods from Betty Crocker to Lipton and everything in between. The Food and Drug Administration classifies MSG as a food ingredient and deems it safe. MSG is proven to be addictive and is a suspect behind food abuse or food addictions.
MSG in the Body
Many believe that MSG is a preservative yet it does nothing to food except enhances the flavor. MSG is an “excitotoxin” or neurotoxin that has a degenerative effect on the nervous system and in the brain. This food enhancer enters the brain through membranes in the mouth and through the bloodstream as it is digested.
MSG is artificially created using a process that breaks down and changes the natural glutamate, which the body produces into free forms of glutamate. These free glutamates sometimes enter the bloodstream up to ten times faster than natural glutamates.
Over the past fifty years, food processing companies have steadily increased the amount of MSG added to foods. One of the most consistent effects of MSG is triggering an “insulin/adrenalin/fat storage/food craving response”. That response is what causes the hunger feeling an hour after eating Chinese food or fast food. It's also why some people crave snack foods even if they are not hungry. Over the past fifty years, society has steadily been gaining weight. The lack of physical fitness combined with the addictive qualities of MSG has left millions of overweight people in its wake.
Where is MSG?
MSG is in most processed foods such as tinned items, processed meats, crackers, junk food, fast foods, and also in spices and stocks. Only if MSG is a separate ingredient in a food product is it legally mandated to be listed with the product's ingredients. There is also “hidden” MSG. When it's included as part of an ingredient, it does not have to be listed. The following additives contain MSG:
- potassium glutamate
- hydrolyzed protein
- hydrolyzed vegetable protein
- hydrolyzed plant protein
- hydrolyzed oat flour
- yeast extract
- plant protein extract
- sodium caseinate
- calcium caseinate
Food Addiction Symptoms
- Unregulated cravings for certain foods (ie. candy, potato chips)
- Absence of self-control.
- Persistent eating.
- Anxiety attacks, feelings of nervousness, low sugar level or headaches.
- Withdrawal feelings.
- Extreme irritations.
- Feelings of guilt because of eating.
Curing Food Addiction
- Identify and avoid trigger foods or drinks.
- Eat only nutrient rich foods, preferably fresh fruits, vegetables and meats.
- Make lifestyle changes that include exercise and fresh air.
- Plan activities for idle moments during the day to assist in keeping the mind off food.
For those who feel they may have an addiction to food and are unable to deal with it on their own seeking help is important. If a doctor or nutritionist is not available, then Food Addicts Anonymous online chat rooms can provide support.
Additional Resources:
Sugar Really Can be Addictive Substance
XylitolSugar Substitute With Health Benefits
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