Coping with Carboholism

Carbohydrates are dietary sugars and starches, which the body uses for energy. Simple carbohydrates, found in fruits and dairy products, are those which are easily digested and quickly used up by the body. Other common sources of simple carbs are processed and refined foods like sugar, pastas and potatoes. Complex carbohydrates take longer for the body to digest and consume. These are found in foods like vegetables, whole grains and legumes. The fact is, carbs are fuel for the human body. We need them in order to function properly, but some carbohydrates are better than others.

People struggling with weight loss issues often have a more difficult time reducing calories in their diet when their cravings are carb-driven. This is because consuming too many simple sugars and starches can lead to an addiction to the “sugar high” they produce. This dependency is known as “carboholism” and can be just as debilitating as addiction to alcohol or drugs. The “need” for simple carbs actually can lead to withdrawal-like symptoms when not sated. As a result, low-carb/no-carb dieters may become anxious, irritable, depressed, and even obsessive about obtaining the substance they are denying their bodies. For many, it becomes a lose-lose situation since the symptoms of carbohydrate withdrawal are as bad as the health risks created by consuming “bad” carbs.

Carbohydrate addiction is thought to be a physiological response to a deficiency of the brain chemical, serotonin, which affects mood. Serotonin decrease has been shown to lead to depression and manic or aggressive behaviors. While there may not be a (legal) home remedy for increasing serotonin levels, carbohydrate intake can be controlled at home. Making a few smart food swaps can help curb the cravings while giving the body more good-carb fuel to burn.

Another way to help with cravings is to try adding a supplement to your diet. Before you choose a supplement, make sure you research your options. You can read Bio Complete 3 reviews and other sources to make the right choice for you.

The simplest way to cut out bad carbohydrates is to stop eating most white foods. That’s it. Just cut out refined sugar, white rice, refined pastas, white potatoes and anything made with white flour. Replace them with their complex-carb cousins. Since the body actually needs some simple carbohydrates, eat fruit. These small steps will go a long way in helping to cope with carboholism.