It's serious enough that food addiction needs to be discuss and not hidden under the table. It is a problem that affects not only the person who has it, but also their friends and family.

Essentially, the problem of food addiction is one that combines a food craving with a food allergy. When a person has this condition, they are drawn to a certain food and when they are unable to have it, they experience symptoms that are not unlike withdrawal.

Food addiction can be indicated by a number of different things. One of the most notable symptoms of having a food addiction is having a constant craving for a certain type of food and no matter how often that food is consumed, always wanting more.

Whether the food is ice cream or potatoes, the food addiction results in a craving that turns out to be quite harmful. Food addiction is said to effect nearly one third of all Americans and is coming into national prominence.

While the cravings are the first sign that a food addiction may be present, there are several other hints that this disorder may be at work.

Symptoms of food addiction include migraines, arthritis, fatigue and various mental issues. Because nutrition so closely affects the workings of the brain, there are a host of problems, from mood swings to schizophrenia. Because food addiction can lead to uncontrolled binging on specific foods, it can also lead to obesity.

There is not a positive consequence to an untreated food addict.

Besides experiencing the health issues mentioned above, people who have a food addiction often feel guilty and ashamed about their condition. Then sad part is that they feel they are not in control of themselves and put themselves down.

Moreover, society has many stereotypes and misconceptions about the obese, stereotypes that those suffering from food addiction might buy into; they may feel sloppy, lazy and undedicated, unaware that there is a physical, chemical component to something that they dismiss as a psychological weakness.

It's not only the food addict that suffers but, also their families and friends. Living with a person who has a food addiction can be trying due to the mood swings and migraine headaches that accompany the addiction.

During a withdrawal phase, the sufferer might be irrationally angry and temperamental with the people that they love.

Another thing to remember is that food addiction can have a genetic component. Food addictions are easy to pass on to your children. They mimic the cravings and the resulting behaviors.

Addiction to food and health and everything that it entails is an important topic to think about; issues like these need to be dealt with as soon as you are aware of them!