There are many things that trigger our need for Chocolate.  Most women have more cravings for chocolate the week before their cycle.  Have you ever wondered what causes this addiction?  Why is it that Valentine's day is associated with Chocolate?

Love and Chocolate?  What is the association?  The real association is the effects that chocolate has on the mid-brain. This effect is caused by the stimulant, theobromine.  This stimulant has been extensively researched. British psychologist, Dr. David Benton, proves that chocolate is an excellent mood elevator. Once we are used to the effects of chocolate, research proves that taking chocolate will elevate the mood of a person who feels blue. Chocolate also contains the mood-enhancing stimulant, phenethylamine, which will also stimulate dopamine production.
 
There is also a downside to chocolate consumption. Most of the chocolate that we eat is loaded with sweeteners. Once the chocolate is enhanced by the sugar, it will lead to an increase in the insulin and lead to fat storage  Also, many choices of the sweeter type of chocolate often is enhanced by the wrong type of fat. Chocolate is addictive almost to the point that you can't eat just one. Researchers find that one chocolate often leads to another one and then another one... and so the story goes!  Before you know it, you have eaten half the bag of chocolate drops. Moreover, on Valentine's day, there is a subconscious desire to have you associate Valentine's Day, a day of romantic love, with the person giving you chocolate. In other words, you might get a feel good sense of pleasure from the chocolate. The feeling of pleasure from the increase of Dopamine will be associated with the person giving you the chocolate. You can see how subconscious most addictions really are, right?
 
However, there are some really good qualities and characteristics to chocolate!  So many people have said, "Doc, you tell us the things NOT to eat.  When am I going to get the good news of what to eat?"  Here goes, true chocolate that is NOT enhanced with poor fat and sweeteners is very high in antioxidants.  You want to eat chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa solids that is pure, dark and preferably an organic quality.  Keep in mind, that cocoa like coffee is often grown under the influence of multiple pesticides and herbicides. It really is best to try and get organic as much as possible.  We don't really need the toxins that may be in some of the lesser grade chocolate.

Remember the chocolate addiction quiz we had yesterday? Take a look at your answers:

• If you answered any of the questions with a severity greater than 2 you may be a chocolate addict
• If you answered more than 4 questions with a severity greater than 4 then you are a severe addict

I will discuss how to break the food addiction in a future Daily Dose.

The question that I have for you today is:   How dependent are you upon stimulants? Tomorrow you will get the quiz. You will be shocked to find out that you are VERY dependent on stimulants. Do you know what you are consuming that is a stimulant? I will tell you, tomorrow.
 
Also, I have been very pleased with the people that are taking great initiative to take charge of their health.  Over the past few weeks we have had so many people realize that they have a need to reduce their weight.  People are beginning to realize that their overweight and obesity is causing them disease and discomfort. As part of my group last night, I had a patient give a testimonial that she is now off 4 different medications and feels great.  She has been on our program for just over a month. I am so excited by the fact that people are taking charge of their health. As part of this growing movement, I want to continue to offer my patients and their friends and family the special rate of $10 to attend the weight loss seminar.  I am also having a seminar this Saturday, January 23, 2010.  Registration is at 8:30 and the presentation starts at 9:00.  At this seminar, we will present the information on Metabolic Syndrome, Diabesity, Fatigue, Depression, Fibromyalgia, and their relationship to carbohydrates and being overweight. Does it all tie together?  Yes, it does and I will present the current information for you.  For all those that attend, you will receive a packet of information that is yours to take home.  You need to understand your current lifestyle choices do have an effect on your health today, but more importantly, your diet today will impact your future in great measure.  You will not want to miss this valuable information that could change your medical future.
 
We have had such an overwhelming response that we want to make sure we don't overbook our space. Please call and reserve your spot for Saturday, January 23, 2010. Registration will be at 8:30 and the presentation will be at 9:00 am. We will also be sampling our supplements.  Plan to attend and bring a notepad. You will certainly want to take notes and learn from this presentation. I invite you to bring your questions. This seminar is for you and about you. I want you to take charge of your health. It is time! Your Health may be on the line!
I will see you on Saturday! Please plan to attend, your health depends upon it.
 
To your health,

Dr. Michelle Haendiges