Comfort eating
We are all familiar with the idea of eating for comfort and pleasure and how difficult it is to be disciplined . A recent study conducted by Peggy Mason and Hayley Foo has thrown some light on this problem. The researchers show that eating chocolate or drinking water can have a painkilling effect even in the absence of hunger or thirst.
In their study lab rats were given either a chocolate chip or had plain water or sugar water (containing saccharine) infused directly into their mouths. As they were eating or drinking a light bulb was turned on under their cage. Normally the rats would raise their paws to avoid the pain caused by the heat of the bulb. However in this case the rats were much slower to respond the the heat. It did not matter whether they were eating chocolate or drinking water, the delay in raising their paws was the same and so the researchers have concluded that the pain relief factor is not linked to the calorie content of the food.
When the rats were fed a sour drink which they did not like they reacted quickly to the heat stimulus which suggested that non pleasurable food fails to activate pain relief. Further tests were run whereby the rats were made ill by drug treatment and were unable to eat. Again it was demonstrated that water alone could have a pain relief effect. The researchers conclude therefore that consuming food or drink that is liked (called hedonic food) activates a pain relief response in the animal.
In the brain stem there is an area called the raphe mangus which is responsible for automatic functions such as breathing or perspiring. When this area was removed in the rats the pain relief effect was no longer experienced. Basically activation of the raphe mangus causes animals to filter out all distractions and to focus on food until it is all gone. In the wild this is of tremendous benefit to animals as they do better if they are not distracted during the limited periods when food is available. It seems that the pain relief is basically a pleasure sensation associated with eating something good and it is not activated when the animal eats something toxic or harmful.
The authors believe that this effect can also be seen in humans. Once we begin to eat something we like we can continue eating until it is gone even when we know this behaviour is bad. Basically we are biologically destined to eat what is available. Since there is a lot more food available to us in many parts of the world we now see a big increase in obesity. Understanding the mechanisms behind overeating may help us to deal with the obesity problem at some point.
Analgesia accompanying food consumption requires injestion of hedonic foods. Journal of Neuroscience. October 14th. 2009
This is very interesting Ann, it might explain why I can’t stop eating chocolate biscuits, when I am under the influence of alcohol. Sober I wouldn’t touch them.
On the other hand, I think that’s the advantage humans have. We are capable of abstract thought, so we don’t HAVE to follow our biological predisposition.
Knowing my chocolate weakness when drunk, I simply make sure there is no chocolate in the house. I can make this decision when sober.
John
Hi John
I am afraid chocolate and red wine are my indulgences. I try to be good but I dont always succeed. sigh!!
Best wishes
Ann
Hi Ann,
I was particularly interested in the food/pain relief point. I guess we would all be hyper sensitive if made to eat something we didn’t like. I know that I would already be in a bad mood and therefore far more susceptible to exterior discomfort.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy
I know what you are saying but I remember as a child being made to eat the food that was provided even if I didn’t like it. There was no other choice, eat or be hungry. Today there is much more choice and convenience but a lot more obesity.
Best Wishes
Ann
Hi Ann
I have an odd problem with my weight and my golf game. When I don’t play very much my weight can go up by around a stone, which has the knock on effect on how far I hit my driver.
When I’m heavier I hit the ball around 30 yards further than normal. No this gets me excited and I play more. (I’m excited by long driving…lol)
When I play more, I lose the weight and then I don’t hit the ball as far. So I’m healthier but my game suffers…or at least I don’t drive as many par 4’s…
…it’s an interesting balance, my love for the game should be insignificant compared to me having a healthy body, but somehow it’s not..
Maybe I need a light shone on me when I’m not playing golf.
cheers
Steve
Hi Steve,
Thats an interesting dilemma. I have to confess I know nothing about golf. I presume professional golfers spend a lot of time in the gym building up muscle and strength to deal with that exact problem. If golf is a hobby then for most people it would be either the golf course or the gym and not both. Why cant life just be simple?
Good luck with the game
Best wishes
Ann
Hi Ann, What an interesting post!
I too remember when I was at primary school being told to eat everything on my plate. It’s the reason I can’t eat cheese to this day, unless it’s grilled.
Best Wishes, Ray
Hi Ann,
What an interesting post, well all i can say is thats me buggered, i like that many food i think i would put up with the light and just close my eyes and eat away.
But very interesting research i must say
Talk soon
Cheers
Breezie