Addiction in all of its forms is incredibly difficult to overcome without the proper support. Most are familiar with common forms of addiction such as gambling, drugs, and alcohol. However, research shows that individuals can become just as dependent on food and overeating in a similar fashion to these highly addictive habits and substances. Breaking this dependency requires optimizing the elements of the body’s reward response system. Individuals can help balance this important system by using supplements such as HoltraCeuticals’ Crave Control.
What is Crave Control?
The unique formulation of Crave Control provides substantial support in combating various forms of addiction, cravings, and mood disorders. Its greatest benefits are found in treating food-related dependency and cravings. Studies have shown that Crave Control has specific efficacy in reducing cravings for easily binge-able foods including carbs, salts, and unhealthy fats. The natural ingredients found in Crave Control also support various areas of neurological function and hormone balance. Bolstering these areas improves self-control and limits the pursuit of addictive activities such as gambling, drug use, and overeating.
What Causes Food Addiction?
The easy access to low-quality and processed food products has led many to become addicted to junk foods resulting in eating disorders, mood issues, weight gain, and addiction. Foods that are high in fat and sugars trigger a pleasure response similar to that caused by dangerous drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and nicotine. Regardless if it is junk food or drugs, the body responds by releasing hormones and other substances to trigger a powerful and unsustainable emotional high. Repeatedly engaging in addictive behaviors causes the reward system to become less responsive, which means that achieving the next "high" requires a greater and ever-increasing indulgence in the addictive habit.
As one of the most important elements regarding the body’s pleasure response and reward system, the neurotransmitter dopamine is a central player in the formation and resolution of addiction. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine regulate many areas of mental health including mood, satisfaction, happiness, the formation of habits, and much more. Dopamine makes us feel good about engaging in healthy activities to increase the likelihood that we will do it again. For example, dopamine is released during and after physical activity or when eating food. However, it is possible to overdo it on dopamine and develop a form of dopamine resistance called tolerance.
Food addiction is a slippery slope that can quickly turn into a serious issue. If we continue using food as an example, tolerance means that a person getting pleasure from the food they eat must increase the amount of food consumed to achieve the same level of satiation. When four or five chips may have been enough to improve your mood before, tolerance makes it so that the same person must eat 10 or 12 chips to achieve similar satisfaction. Furthermore, as tolerance increases, the body becomes incapable of keeping up with the demand for dopamine and ultimately suffers from a deficiency. Worse still, a dopamine deficiency makes individuals much more likely to engage in addictive behaviors such as overeating.
What Does Crave Control Do?
Deficiencies in neurological pathways are a primary contributor to addictive behavior. Crave control combats addiction by supplying the body with the nutrients and neurotransmitters it needs to ensure that healthy neurological function is maintained. Each of the following ingredients found in Crave Control play a role in limiting addictive behaviors.
Dopamine
If levels of dopamine remain elevated the body may become tolerant meaning that the body must work harder to get the same satisfaction. Alternatively, a deficiency can make individuals susceptible to addictive habits. For this reason, Crave Control contains only a small amount of dopamine to help normalize baseline levels without contributing to tolerance.
5-Hydroxotryptophan (5-HTP)
5-Hydroxotryptophan or 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin and many other important neurotransmitters. Serotonin is a hormone that is highly associated with motivation. Similar to dopamine, decreased levels of serotonin contribute to poor self-control and increases motivation to engage in addictive behavior. By supplementing with 5-HTP, serotonin levels are improved while limiting the risk of excess.
DL-Phenylalanine (DPA)
DL-Phenylalanine or DPA is an amino acid included in Crave Control. Studies show that taking DPA can help limit withdrawal symptoms and cravings. DPA triggers the release of cholecystokinin, which promotes feelings of satiation. Because of this, taking Crave Control before meals can help limit overeating. DPA also supports the release of endorphins. Endorphins are hormones that promote feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment, which can help reduce the urge to engage in addictive behaviors.
Mucuna Pruriens
Mucuna Pruriens is a seed that contains a high amount of L-DOPA, a precursor to dopamine. When taken in supplement form, Mucuna Pruriens improves the transport and regulation of dopamine. Studies also suggest that Mucuna Pruriens has a positive influence on other important neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Unlike taking dopamine directly, L-DOPA is much less likely to cause an excess of dopamine contributing further to neurological issues including addiction.
N-Acetylcysteine
N-Acetylcysteine, also called NAC, is a compound derived from naturally occurring amino acids. A great deal of research has shown the beneficial effects of NAC on treating psychological disorders and addictions such as pathological gambling, compulsive disorders, and cravings. NAC is also a precursor to the powerful antioxidant glutathione. Studies suggest that oxidative stress may be a prominent contributor to addiction disorders and other forms of neurological disease. Therefore, increasing levels of glutathione by supplementing with NAC may alleviate addictive tendencies while supporting greater mental health.
Fend Off Cravings and Defeat Addiction with Crave Control
It can be easy to fall into addictions without even recognizing it. Unfortunately, resolving an addiction is not as simple. Because of this, it is important to provide the body the resources it needs to effectively combat addiction and harmful cravings. Supplementing with products such as Crave Control can provide significant benefit in the fight against addiction. If you struggle with food cravings/dependency or poor self-control try supplementing with HoltraCeuticals’ Crave Control.
