Stop Chocolate/Sugar Craving

from "Rust Out" by Dr. Royce Bailey, page 30

-Low Blood Sugar Spells -Trace Mineral Chromium-Chocolate & Marijuana

To the true chocolate addict, nothing else has the same appeal. The reason may not be its creamy texture.  Researchers checked whether any of the fats (which are plentiful) in chocolate mimic the chemical structure of psychoactive drugs.  As it turns out, chocolate contains compounds similar to those in MARIJUANA!

“White Chocolate” contains none of the natural, marijuana-like substances, since it is actually made of milk and cocoa butter, rather than true chocolate.  Not surprisingly, it has nowhere near chocolate’s appeal.

Anandamide, N-oleoylethanolamine and N-inoleoylethanolamine are natural cannabinoids found in chocolate, which also contains two other psychoactive ingredients: caffeine and phenylethylamine (which has a mild amphetamine-like effect).

Our body produces the hormone Anandamide, which attaches itself to the cannabinoid receptor.  These appear to be “relaxation hormones,” such as melatonin and beta-endorphin.  These hormones increase dramatically when we stimulate the production of alpha and theta frequencies in the brain, which is just as easily achieved through meditative prayer.  Thus, those who already receive pleasurable satiety from habitual prayer (“pray without ceasing”) understand the importance of positive lifestyle choices in replacing the negative ones.

Chromium
A sugar/chocolate craving has been shown in many people to be a result of a trace mineral deficiency.  It is in short supply in the average American diet because we eat so many refined foods.  Chromium aids in hunger control at the level of the hypothalamus in the brain.  Try Chromium Picolinate (the Picolinate helps with absorption) 200 micrograms (mcg.) with each meal or an extra serving or two of whole grains each day.  Brewer’s yeast is rich in chromium also.

Chromium inhibits the synthesis of new fat from carbohydrates, thus freeing the mitochondria (cell energy manufacturing sites) to burn already stored fat.

This mineral is also essential for glucose tolerance and proper insulin function, therefore, helping stop low blood sugars in mid-day and thus those fattening cravings.  Chromium has been found to help normalize glucose control in non-insulin diabetes and improve fat levels.  It significantly reduces hemoglobin A1c (a blood measurement of how well your blood sugar has been controlled over the last 4-6 weeks).  Add 100 mg of niacin to the chromium dosage if it doesn’t work by itself.  Chromium has lowered cholesterol levels within 4 months (a 6.6-8.5% decrease was seen in patients that were deficient).  

Overdosing can lead to headaches, sleep disturbances, memory problems, and mood changes, says the Naval Research Center in San Diego.

References:
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Mozerky, RP, “Herbal Products And Supplemental Nutrients Used In The Management Of Diabetes,” J Am Osteopath Assoc,  12/99; S4-S9

Diabetes Care 99;22:280-287.

Kaats, GR, “A Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Study Of The Effects Of Chromium Picolinate Supplement on Body Composition,” Current Therapeutic Research, June 1998; 59(6):379-88.

McCarty, MF, “Hydroxycitrate Promoters Lipid Oxidation, Gluconeogenesis, and Satiety,” Medical Hypothesis, April 1994; 42:4: 215-25.

Baker, B., “Chromium Improves Glucose Control In NIDDM,” Internal Medicine News, July 15, 1996: 5.

DiTomaso, E, “Brain Cannabinoids In Chocolate,” Nature, 1996; 382: 677-8.

Wisneski, LA, “Practical Reviews iI Complementary And Alternative Medicine,” December 1999, 2-4 (13).