I would think that the main link to Neolithic diets would be that the
endorphin-like substances in wheat products provide stimulation to endorphin
pathways in the brain- these are very important in the biochemical basis of
addiction. By keeping addiction pathways stimulated and activated, this
increases ones likelihood of becoming addicted to anything. Carbs are in
Paleo foods eg fruit, root veggies etc..
Maybe sweet addiction is related to the consumption of wheat providing carbs
and endorphinoids simultaneously- by a process of Pavlovian conditioning the
brain comes to associate carbs with an endorphin high, and soon welcomes the
carbs alone. Just a theory.
As you know, most wheat based carbs have a very high glycaemic index- ie
they have a similar effect on blood sugar to pure sucrose or glucose.
Ben
"The ideal diet for any animal is that which it eats in the wild. Humans are
no exception."
"Alas, my gastronomic rapacity knows no satiety."
--Homer Simpson
----- Original Message -----
From: matesz <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, 10 November 1999 2:49 AM
Subject: Re: [P-F] Alcoholism and food allergy addiction


> Several people have asked about studies connecting alcohol addiction,
depression and
> carbs.
>
> It's not just a coincidence.  Kathles DesMaisons wrote a book called
POTATOES NOT PROZAC,
> which I read within the last couple of years ago.  I'd heard about the
book from a friend
> who is a counselor and food coach (talk + food therapy!) and like to know
as much as I can
> to pass on to people I know and meet.  (I meet so many people who say they
are addicted to
> bread, starches, candy, cookies, sweets in general...)
>
> The author of the book did her Ph.D on the topic of alcholism and drug
addiction paired
> with carbohydrate addiction and brain chemistry.  She has successfully
helped many people
> recover from various addictions using dietary intervention and reportedly
has an
> astounding success rate.
>
> The book was very interesting.  Although I found certain errors in the
book (wrt:  protein
> equivalents in certain foods), they were minor. I don't subscribe 100% to
her approach but
> it is many steps above the SAD or MAD and she offers a great framework and
argument for
> regularity in eating which, in my experience (I am an ex-carb addict,
ex-sweets addict),
> leads to regularity in energy and moods (particularly when there is a
complete protein at
> every feeding).  I found it very interesting and the average person who is
*addicted* to a
> substance would surely find some fascinating research citations and case
studies as well
> as practical tips.
>
> Hope this helps!
>
> Rachel