The Dopamine Effect

Have you heard of Dopamine?

Naturally present in the human body, it’s often referred to as the “feel good” chemical – acting as both a neurotransmitter and a hormone.

It’s a good one to know about!

In fact, any time you feel a burst of excitement, pleasure, alertness or general euphoria – that’s dopamine at work!

Life would be pretty sad without it, don’t you think?

Well, here’s another fact about dopamine – it’s also activated by Sugar.

(Perhaps this is what’s really going on when we talk about a “sugar high”).

As it turns out, there’s a link between dopamine and highly processed foods – things like chips and other snack foods, fast food (think French fries), and all those frozen meals in the freezer section of your local market.

That’s because dopamine also plays a major role in addiction!

(Gluten-free or not, it makes no difference).

So, when food manufacturers inject our food with oodles of fat, sugar and salt – guess what happens?

We not only want more – we actually become addicted!

Think of that bag of chips, or package of cookies you might have inhaled on occasion – gluten-free or otherwise.

Or, the times you couldn’t stop eating after the first bite – it was just that good!

Afterwards, you may have felt guilty, or thought there was something seriously wrong with you.

Perhaps you beat yourself up – figuratively speaking – for your incredible lack of willpower.

Isn’t it great to know that the problem isn’t necessarily YOU?

The truth is, at some point we’ve all been “hijacked” – so to speak – by the food industry

And the scenario I just described is the typical fall-out.

Trust me, I’m no exception.

So, what’s a person to do?

My first suggestion is adjust your diet and stay away from highly processed foods as much as possible.

Easier said than done, I know.

Second, if your food challenges – due to allergies or full blown Celiac Disease – are more than you can handle, then consider working with a coach.

The job of a coach is to help you get past those addictions, not to mention the many mindsets we all have around food.

As a coach, I always meet my clients where they’re at.

In other words, it’s never about forcing change – but instead, gentle baby steps, to help you get to where you want to be.

 

Now it’s your turn.

Have you been newly diagnosed with Celiac Disease or Food Sensitivities?

What are some of your biggest challenges?

Please leave a comment below – I’d love to hear from you!