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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by KB on April 2, 2002, at 20:59:37
For about two months now, and especially during the last few weeks I have been experiencing an intense chocolate craving, which lately has become so strong that I feel like an addict.
Could this have something to do with my depression or meds (Wellbutrin and Celexa, just added Zyprexa)?
Posted by Lia Mason on April 2, 2002, at 23:03:41
In reply to chocolate craving biochemical?, posted by KB on April 2, 2002, at 20:59:37
I don't know about those meds, but I went through a period on effexor where I had no appetite for "real" food at all but craved sugar like a fiend. It was very strange. I ate nothing but peanut butter sandwiches. It passed after a few weeks getting used to the drug.
L
Posted by Zo on April 3, 2002, at 1:44:05
In reply to chocolate craving biochemical?, posted by KB on April 2, 2002, at 20:59:37
Oh dear. I hate to tell you, but Zyprexa, a marvelous, marvelous drug---is also a reknowned appetite stimulant. You don't want to *know* how much weight I put on last year. Of course I am thin as a reed by now. Har har. Well, there *are* slightly plump reeds, are there not?
Think of it this way--chocolate has just been found to be an EXCELLENT source of antioxidants.
(Wellbutrin tends to suppress appetite.)
Best of luck!
Zo
Posted by jay on April 3, 2002, at 21:16:09
In reply to chocolate craving biochemical?, posted by KB on April 2, 2002, at 20:59:37
I would suspect the Zyprexa, but, if the medication is helping and your chocolate craving doesn't interfere with your day-to-day life, then there shouldn't be any problems.Jay
Posted by Michael D on April 4, 2002, at 21:11:35
In reply to chocolate craving biochemical?, posted by KB on April 2, 2002, at 20:59:37
> For about two months now, and especially during the last few weeks I have been experiencing an intense chocolate craving, which lately has become so strong that I feel like an addict.
I know the craving.. Chocolate, not sweets, right ? :)Just like women get around 'that time of the month'. Not a coincidence.
I went through a period of chocolate cravings for a while after I became a vegetarian. I heard that chocolate cravings are indicative of an iron deficiency (craving).
Does this make sense?
Michael D
Posted by KB on April 4, 2002, at 21:53:02
In reply to Re: chocolate craving biochemical?, posted by Michael D on April 4, 2002, at 21:11:35
I've been a vegetarian for 13 years and never experienced a chocolate craving like this before - I find myself thinking about it a lot - where to get it, when I'll get it, how much to allow myself - I've neve been a drinker or a user of illegal drugs, but I bet this is a similar feeling . . .
Posted by IsoM on April 5, 2002, at 1:43:49
In reply to chocolate craving biochemical?, posted by KB on April 2, 2002, at 20:59:37
I thought I'd let others explain as I can run on too much but here's some science behind it.
Chocolate candy isn't good for the teeth (all that sugar) but it contains an anti-bacterial chemical that will stop the bacteria. All that sugar doesn't help though.
Chocolate contains a small amount of a brain chemical called phenylethylamine (PEA). Whether it makes it from our digestive tract into our brain remains to be tested because cheddar cheese & pickled herring also contains PEA & nobody claims to be addicted to those foods. PEA releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. Maybe eating cheddar cheese or pickled herring may make a person feel good too, just never tested. I know I love pickled herring! Anway, the amount found in chocolate isn't enough to cause any real euphoria but may be enough to make a person feel a little happier.
Chocolate is also a very good source of magnesium, a mineral used in many enzymatic body reactions. Magnesium & vitamin B6 work hand-in-hand.
Chocolate has anti-oxidants in it - a number of phenolic compounds. Eating chocolate IS good for a person, it's the sugars & fats that aren't. Combine them & the good effects tend to get cancelled out. You could always eat it the way Mexican people do as a mole sauce for meats. No sugar is used in that way.
Posted by Emme on April 5, 2002, at 7:20:34
In reply to Some Possible Reasons » KB, posted by IsoM on April 5, 2002, at 1:43:49
Hi IsoM,
Thanks for the science behind chocolate, my drug of choice. I eat a little every day. I don't just like chocolate, I crave it and am a self-professed chocolate snob. :) The darker, the bitterer, the better. I did kind of wonder if there was a self-medicating aspect. Anyway, anyone want some recommendations for really great hard-to-find brands, just let me know! :)
cheers,
Emme> I thought I'd let others explain as I can run on too much but here's some science behind it.
>
> Chocolate candy isn't good for the teeth (all that sugar) but it contains an anti-bacterial chemical that will stop the bacteria. All that sugar doesn't help though.
>
> Chocolate contains a small amount of a brain chemical called phenylethylamine (PEA). Whether it makes it from our digestive tract into our brain remains to be tested because cheddar cheese & pickled herring also contains PEA & nobody claims to be addicted to those foods. PEA releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. Maybe eating cheddar cheese or pickled herring may make a person feel good too, just never tested. I know I love pickled herring! Anway, the amount found in chocolate isn't enough to cause any real euphoria but may be enough to make a person feel a little happier.
>
> Chocolate is also a very good source of magnesium, a mineral used in many enzymatic body reactions. Magnesium & vitamin B6 work hand-in-hand.
>
> Chocolate has anti-oxidants in it - a number of phenolic compounds. Eating chocolate IS good for a person, it's the sugars & fats that aren't. Combine them & the good effects tend to get cancelled out. You could always eat it the way Mexican people do as a mole sauce for meats. No sugar is used in that way.
Posted by IsoM on April 5, 2002, at 12:08:22
In reply to Re: Some Possible Reasons » IsoM, posted by Emme on April 5, 2002, at 7:20:34
This is the end of the thread.
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