But why Do the things we like hurt us? Sweets, alcohol, seasoned and processed foods, even the junk food we think it seems very good. Not to mention the time we spend in front of the screen: in short, many of the things we like most seem to have a dark side and have a negative impact on our body.
But why can what gives us pleasure also harm us? Let’s try to understand it with the help of science.
Because the things we love hurt us
Evolutionarily, our brains are programmed to look for Pleasure and avoid pain. However, in a modern context, where immediate pleasures are easily accessible, this programming can become disadattativa.
Anthropologists have suggested that our ancestors had to search calories and resources in an environment of scarcity, but today, in a world of abundance, this same pursuit can lead to harmful behavior. For example, our brain is wired to appreciate sweet and fatty foods because they were once rare and precious. Today, however, with the availability of ultra-processed foods, this preference can lead to obesity and metabolic diseases.
Understanding why the things we like are bad for us can help us make more informed choices. While it is important to enjoy the pleasures of life, it is equally essential to find a balance to prevent negative effects on our health. The key is to moderate and understand how our brains and habits work. The awareness of mechanisms that regulate pleasure and pain it can help us avoid excesses and live a healthier and more balanced life.
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The role of dopamine
It’s not a question of taste, but of addiction. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the brain’s reward system. When we do something we like, like indulging in pastries, our brain releases dopamine, making us feel good and encouraging us to repeat that action. But activities that overstimulate the Dopamine release can lead to compulsive behaviors and addictions. The same things caused by fame nervosa.
A study published in Nature showed that the release of dopamine can create cycles of harmful habits, such as drug abuse or excessive consumption of junk food. Dopamine makes us feel good, but when its release is excessive, it can lead to compulsive pleasure-seeking behaviors, often to the detriment of our physical and mental health. This is why, when faced with a 4-cheese pizza, we always go beyond the recommended 3 bites. With consequences we pay in terms of weight and health.
The secret? Follow the rules of pleasure of eating.
Junk food and obesity
Junk food such as burgers full of sauces and chips are undoubtedly a pleasure. But highly processed food, rich in sugar, fat and salt, is particularly effective at stimulating the release of dopamine. This can lead to a cycle of overeatingwhich causes obesity and other chronic diseases in the long term.
According to a 2019 study published in Cell Metabolism, consumption of ultra-processed food is associated with increased calorie intake and body weight. The researchers observed that participants who consumed ultra-processed foods ate more calories and they gained more weight than those who consumed unprocessed foods.
This type of food not only overstimulates the brain’s reward system, but can also alter satiety signals, leading to overconsumption.
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Alcohol and its negative effects
Alcohol consumption may initially induce a feeling of euphoria and relaxation, but it also has significant negative effects on the body and mind. Alcohol abuse can lead to addiction, liver damage, and mental health problems.
The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted in a 2018 report that alcohol is responsible for over 3 million deaths each year, accounting for 5.3% of all global deaths. Alcohol acts on the central nervous system, initially depressing inhibitions and producing a feeling of pleasure. However, its excessive consumption can lead to serious health problems, including liver disease, heart disease, and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.
How technology affects mental health
Excessive use of smartphones and social media can cause digital addiction, anxiety and depression. While these tools can provide immediate pleasure, their continued use can negatively impact our mental health.
A 2018 study in Computers in Human Behavior found a correlation between prolonged social media use andincreased levels of anxiety and depression among young people. Research has shown that constant social comparison and the need for virtual approval can lead to feelings of inadequacy and isolation. Additionally, excessive technology use can interfere with sleep and reduce time spent in meaningful social interactions and physical activities.
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2024-05-08 08:26:24
#hurt #science
