A Family History of Alcoholism Means Obesity Could be Knocking at Your Door

Researchers have now established that the rate of obesity in women¹, and to some degree men, is rapidly rising in those whose parents have a history of excess alcohol use. It means that those most likely to succumb to eating extra sweet, salty, and fatty foods are those with in inherited weakness relating to addiction.

It should be understood by everyone that the act of eating is associated with pleasure and reward, thereby inducing you to eat so that the human race can survive. That is quite normal. It should also be understood, that every addiction there is, sits on top of food acquisition brain circuitry gone wrong. This study indicates that once there is an abuse of this circuitry with alcohol (and most likely any addictive drug) then that weak spot can be handed down to the next generation.

In essence, people with a problem in reward circuitry have low of levels of dopamine in their brains. They discover that they can boost up their dopamine levels by getting a surge or fix. In terms of food this means a loading dose of sugar or fat. In terms of drugs or alcohol it means almost anything will do.

Using nutrition to offset these brain weaknesses is one use of nutrients. Nutrients like pine nut oil and whey protein can help your body produce full signals. Nutrients like tyrosine or N-acetyl-l-tyrosine help to make dopamine so your brain is less likely to be stuck on low. There is a great deal that can be done to clear out inflammatory trash in the brain and help build stronger brain circuits. These processes will take time and require the kinds of nutrients that are good for cognitive function and memory – of which there are many.

You know you have enough nutritional support when you are not reaching for extra food in an attempt to get your head to feel better. If you follow the craving, it leads to weight gain and poor health. Those with a family history of addiction, or a personal history of addiction, need to pay special attention to this issue and not succumb to brain pain.