Exorphins versus Endorphins

Do you have an emotional attachment to wheat products? Maybe it has more to do with exorphins¾exogenous opioid peptides. Let’s dissect that label a bit: Exogenous (originates from outside the body) opioid (substances with a morphine-like activity) peptides (a class of neurotransmitters that impact mood). Exorphins are distinguished from endorphins that are endogenous opioid peptides that originate inside the brain and body. Turns out that these exorphins are found in some foods. William Davis, MD, author of Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back to Health, offers a rather convincing argument that wheat can be mildly addictive because it contains these exorphin compounds that affect the brain in much the same way as do opiates. No wonder some individuals find it difficult to reduce their intake of bread, pasta, cereals, donuts, muffins, bagels, and so on. Dairy products may contain exorphins, as well . . .