Protocol · Mental Health/Eating Behavior
Food Addiction Support Protocol
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) and Omega-3 Fatty Acids are the core of this stack, with 6 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Food Addiction Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
8 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | ||||
| NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) | Amount listed: 1,200–2,400 mg daily in divided doses | Modulates glutamate; studied for various addictive behaviors and compulsive eating | Not graded yet | |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 2–3 g EPA+DHA daily (higher EPA) | Supports brain dopamine function; may help with impulsivity and mood | Not graded yet | |
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | ||||
| Chromium | Amount listed: 200–1,000 mcg chromium picolinate daily | May help regulate blood sugar and reduce cravings; studied for binge eating | Not graded yet | |
| 5-HTP | Amount listed: 50–100 mg twice daily | Serotonin precursor; may help with satiety and reduce carbohydrate cravings | Not graded yet | |
| L-Tyrosine | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg daily | Dopamine precursor; may support reward pathway function | Not graded yet | |
| Magnesium | Amount listed: 300–400 mg daily | Supports stress response; deficiency may contribute to cravings | Not graded yet | |
| Probiotics | Amount listed: 10–20 billion CFU daily | Gut-brain axis support; may influence food cravings and mood | Not graded yet | |
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily | Often deficient; supports mood and may affect reward pathways | Not graded yet | |
How this protocol works
In plain language
Food addiction is a controversial but increasingly recognized pattern where certain foods (especially highly processed foods high in sugar, fat, and salt) trigger addiction-like responses in the brain. The Yale Food Addiction Scale is used to identify this pattern.
KEY FEATURES:
- Loss of control over eating certain foods
- Continued eating despite negative consequences
- Tolerance (needing more to feel satisfied)
- Withdrawal-like symptoms when avoiding certain foods
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut back
- Time spent obtaining, eating, or recovering from food
FOODS COMMONLY INVOLVED:
- Highly processed foods
- Foods combining fat, sugar, and salt
- Fast food
- Sweets and desserts
- Salty snacks
- Refined carbohydrates
OVERLAPPING CONDITIONS:
- Binge eating disorder
- Bulimia nervosa
- Obesity
- Depression and anxiety
- Other addictive disorders
TREATMENT APPROACHES:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Mindful eating practices
- Support groups (Overeaters Anonymous, Food Addicts Anonymous)
- Abstinence from trigger foods (for some)
- Addressing underlying mental health conditions
NAC* has evidence for addictive behaviors and compulsive eating.
Chromium* may help stabilize blood sugar and reduce cravings.
5-HTP* may improve satiety signaling.
Expected timeline: Behavioral changes are primary treatment. Supplements may provide modest support over weeks to months.