Ice cream and potato chips are just as addictive as cocaine or heroin: research

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by Brooke Kato

Can’t put down a bag of potato chips? Science says it’s not you, it’s junk food.

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are as addictive as nicotine, cocaine, and heroin, with more than one in 10 people becoming addicted to them, experts say.

A new analysis of 281 studies across 36 countries reveals that a staggering 14% of adults rely on UPF.

This finding is shocking considering that UPF (sausage, ice cream, biscuits, soft drinks, sugary cereals, etc.) has previously been linked to cognitive decline, cancer, psychological distress, and even premature death. .

This analysis was previously Yale University Food Addiction Scale By applying the same criteria that professionals use to diagnose drug addiction.

Criteria include uncontrolled excessive consumption, craving, and continued intake despite potential negative health effects.

“The combination of refined carbohydrates and fats found in UPF appears to have a super-additive effect on the brain’s reward system than macronutrients alone, which may make these foods more addictive.” Gearhart and the study authors write in a new paper.Survey results announced at B.M.J.

“Many of the UPFs for many people are addictive,” author Chris van Tureken told the Guardian in an article about the new study. “And when people experience food poisoning, it’s almost always due to UPF products.”

However, the exact reason remains largely a mystery even among experts, and unlike the nicotine found in cigarettes, it is not a single ingredient that makes candy and crackers addictive, but rather a contraindication to multiple ingredients. Some people think so.

Natural foods tend to be high in carbohydrates and fat, but not high levels of both, while UPF has disproportionately high levels of both.

If an apple has 55 kcal of carbohydrates and less than 2 kcal of fat, a chocolate bar has 237 kcal of carbohydrates and 266 kcal of fat.

Past research has shown that sugary and fatty foods can make healthier alternatives less appealing, and rewiring the brain can lead to health-related effects such as overeating and weight gain. We also know that there is.

When you eat ultra-processed foods, dopamine hits high and then suddenly drops, resulting in a never-ending cycle of cravings, resolutions, and setbacks, similar to someone addicted to alcohol or drugs.

Gearhart’s team notes in their study that while additives in foods are “unlikely to be addictive in themselves,” they may be “enhancing agents” for their caloric effects. .

However, not everyone is susceptible to the addictive effects of ultra-processed foods. While some people may be satisfied with a handful of potato chips, others may not be so lucky.

“Addictive products are not addictive to everyone,” van Tureken said. “Nearly 90% of people can try alcohol without developing a problematic relationship. Many can try tobacco or even cocaine.”

But the addictive nature of UPF has sparked a backlash from health-conscious scientists who believe some foods should come with “tobacco-style” advisories — ultra-processed foods, after all. There is no escape from it, and it is everywhere.

“Trying to quit UPF now is like trying to quit smoking in the 1960s,” Van Tureken said.

Plus, most things are safe in moderation. health line It is recommended that less than 10% to 20% of your calories come from processed foods.

To minimize UPF intake, Van Tureken takes a straightforward approach. “Is this really food? Ask yourself. You can quickly go from addiction to disgust.”