ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the mood-food connection and the neurobiological evidence for food addiction. Depression is believed to be associated with reduced activity of the neurotransmitter serotonin, although other neurotransmitters may also be involved. Eustress is stress that is associated with positive experiences, and distress is stress associated with negative experiences; these can be thought of as on opposite ends of a stress continuum. The idea of chocolate addiction compares the intense cravings for chocolate to the cravings drug addicts have for particular substances of abuse. The mood-food connection is well supported by both anecdotal and empirical evidence. All rats tested in the extended-access group showed signs of addiction, and although they were all from a similar genetic background, the evidence suggests that the addiction is a result of environmental exposure more than biological predisposition. The endogenous opioid system seems to be involved in selective preferences for palatable tastes and perhaps palatable food addiction and overconsumption.
