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Why do you crave junk food when you quit smoking? Science has the answer!

As hard as it is, quit smoking will greatly improve the quality of the skin, hair, teeth, the whole organism. Also, whatever the smoker's story, there is this mantra to repeat:quitting smoking is a positive act, efficient and winning all the way. However, when undertaking this process, inevitably come junk food cravings . In general, it is not salad and vegetables that ex-smokers crave, but rather fatty foods such as fast foods. Do you doubt it? And yet, an American study has proven this phenomenon.

Quitting smoking and junk food:when nicotine turns into a burger

There are many alternatives to overcome this addiction:patch, candy, electronic cigarette... Except that, during this period, our body needs to compensate . According to the American study published on the Science Direct site and identified by Ouest France, smokers who try to quit smoking consume more fatty, salty or even sweet foods. Indeed, junk food has the same effects as nicotine on our brain, especially on the opioid system. These are the brain functions that are responsible for addiction and regulation appetite.

Quit smoking and junk food:how do we explain that?

Researchers conducted a survey of smokers and non-smokers between the ages of 19 and 75. The first group was twice forced to quit smoking for 24 hours . During this time, some received 50 mg of Naltrexone, a drug prescribed to treat addictions, and others a placebo. Before and after this nicotine-free period, smokers had many snacks available. Closing? The researchers claimed that:“Smokers in withdrawal binged more than usual on snacks high in salt, fat and sugar ". People who received the placebo were more likely to snack, unlike smokers who took naltrexone. According to the scientists, "these poor eating behaviors conducive to weight gain helped them respond to the negative effects of quitting smoking, such as stress