Serotonin may trigger urge for chocolate
by Sonia Colautti, registered dietitian,
Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit
Q: I crave chocolate all the time and I'm disgusted with myself for my
lack
of willpower. Any suggestions?
Your cravings may not be a lack of willpower but rather an imbalance in
serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical found in the brain.
When serotonin levels are normal you feel pretty good about yourself.
Emerging evidence suggests that when serotonin levels are low you might
experience a craving for chocolate. Chocolate stimulates the release of
serotonin.
Serotonin doesn't act alone. There are many other chemicals working in
your brain as well. Dopamine, for instance, is a pleasure-seeking
hormone. When dopamine is high, you strive for pleasure. In your case
this pleasure may come from chocolate.
What should you do? Consider all the things goiing on in your life that
may affect your brain chemistry. Stress at work or home can have a big
impact on your cravings.
For women, premenstrual chocolate cravings are common about seven to 10
days before menstruation. This is because many women experience a drop
in serotonin prior to their menstrual cycle.
To help control your cravings, try these tips:
* Get active. It has the same effect as eating chocolate, it raises
serotonin levels. Have you ever noticed how good you feel after you've
been active?
* Avoid or eliminate the cues that trigger them. These cues might be
late-night TV or walking by your favourite candy store.
* Ride out the urge. Usually, your cravings will get stronger and will
then start to go away. If you give in to them, they will get stronger.
* Use cocoa powder as a substitute for chocolate. It is lower in fat and
still tastes great.
Remember that experienceing some craving for chocolate is normal and
quite common. The key to healthy eating is to enjoy the occasional piece
of chocolate and still maintain a well-balanced diet.
Copyright (c) 2000 The London Free Press,
a division of Sun Media Corporation.
--
Judith Richards, London, Ontario, Canada
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