I think we can all admit our love for most foods. However, a lot of the foods that we consume today are full of hormones and additives that can have a daunting effect on our brain chemistry and physical health. The hormones in processed foods have different effects on our brains’ neurotransmitters. Compulsive eating and overeating both fall under the category of food addiction and can potentially cause serious health conditions. Much like other dependencies, food can become a form of self-medication when we feel sad, lonely, or anxious. In its more extreme forms, eating dependency can become comparable to any other addiction. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, it may be a sign of food addiction:

• Eating more food than you can physically tolerate
• Eating to the point of feeling ill
• Continuing to eat certain foods even if no longer hungry
• Eating in secret or isolation
• Avoiding social interactions, relationships, or functions to spend time eating
• Decreased energy, chronic fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep disorders, such as insomnia or oversleeping
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Digestive disorders
• Suicidal ideations

Our counselors have a wealth of information surrounding eating dependency, food addiction, and eating disorders. We offer individual and group therapy for the wide range of symptoms related to eating dependency, addiction, cravings, excessive eating, feeling guilty, hiding consumption, and feeling out of control. Through the help of trained clinicians, you can be freed from your food dependency and be able to satisfy your social, emotional, and psychological needs in healthier ways.