Healthful behaviours such as maintaining a balanced diet, being physically active and refraining from smoking have major impacts on the risk of developing cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and other serious conditions. The burden of the so-called ‘lifestyle diseases’—in personal suffering, premature mortality and public health costs—is considerable. Consequently, interventions designed to promote healthy behaviours are increasingly being studied, e.g., using psychobiological models of behavioural regulation and change. In this article, we explore the notion that psychedelic substances such as psilocybin could be used to assist in promoting positive lifestyle change conducive to good overall health. Psilocybin has a low toxicity, is non-addictive and has been shown to predict favourable changes in patients with depression, anxiety and other conditions marked by rigid behavioural patterns, including substance (mis)use. While it is still early days for modern psychedelic science, research is advancing fast and results are promising. Here we describe psychedelics’ proposed mechanisms of action and research findings pertinent to health behaviour change science, hoping to generate discussion and new research hypotheses linking the two areas. Therapeutic models including psychedelic experiences and common behaviour change methods (e.g., Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing) are already being tested for addiction and eating disorders. We believe this research may soon be extended to help promote improved diet, exercise, nature exposure and also mindfulness or stress reduction practices, all of which can contribute to physical and psychological health and well-being.
Psychedelics are transforming the way people view health, food, and well-being. This article explores how psychedelics might alter eating habits, nutrition, and our relationship with food in surprising ways.
Introduction: The Growing Intersection of Psychedelics and Nutrition
In recent years, psychedelics have experienced a cultural renaissance. Once relegated to the fringes of society, substances like psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), LSD, and ayahuasca are now at the forefront of scientific research and personal wellness trends. Known for their mind-altering effects, psychedelics are increasingly being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits, ranging from mental health treatment to their potential influence on eating behaviors and nutritional choices.
While many people associate psychedelics with spiritual or recreational use, an emerging body of research suggests that they may also have a profound impact on eating habits. In fact, psychedelics might reshape the way individuals approach food, influencing everything from food choices to eating patterns and body image. These changes could not only provide a more mindful and conscious approach to eating but may also have long-term implications for overall nutrition and wellness.
This article delves into how psychedelics might influence eating habits and nutrition. We will explore the science behind these substances, their potential effects on the brain and behavior, and the various ways they could alter our relationship with food. With contributions from nutritionists, neuroscientists, and anecdotal experiences, we aim to uncover whether psychedelics could play a role in shaping healthier eating habits, combating disordered eating, or even guiding individuals toward more sustainable food choices
.Eating disorders are mental health issues that carry severe physical health complications and are infamous for being difficult to treat and recover from. Treatment of eating disorders has taken a multidisciplinary approach to address the disorder’s physical, psychological, and emotional aspects. Still, in recent years, experts have expressed that there could be new players in the game (think magic mushrooms and MDMA). The mind-altering power of these plants at the forefront of psychiatry brings the hopeful promise of somewhat of a “miracle drug” into the revolutionizing treatment of eating disorders. Their biggest challenge — working against skewed public opinion due to outcomes of government agendas against the tune-in, drop-out rhetoric of the 1960s.
A bit of background:
Before we dive in, it’s vital to look into the past of psychedelics and the reason for public hesitancy around their use. The American relationship between medicine and psychedelics has been tedious, with floundered progress following widespread recreational use in the 1960s and their subsequent classification as a Schedule I drug in 1967. The scheduling of psychedelics as such defined them as substances with no accepted medical use and a high potency for abuse, halting all clinical studies in one sweep until the mid-2000s. The hallucinatory substances relished a short-term relationship with psychiatry during the time when LSD, sometimes known as “acid,” was first explored and reported on as a possible aid for mood disorders and alcohol dependency. It is important to note however that before the widespread standstill, structured psychedelic use of substances such as mescaline, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and dimethyltryptamine (DMT), had long been used in ritual healing experiences, and hold ancient grounds in many societies around the world.
The Neuroscience of Psychedelics: How They Influence the Brain
Psychedelics work by interacting with the brain’s serotonergic system, particularly through serotonin receptors such as 5-HT2A. This interaction leads to the characteristic “mind-altering” experiences, including changes in perception, mood, and thought processes. However, these experiences are not limited to visual or emotional effects. There is mounting evidence suggesting that psychedelics can also influence how individuals perceive their physical needs, including food.
The Role of Serotonin in Appetite Regulation
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite. Many common antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Interestingly, psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD also interact with serotonin receptors, but in a way that goes beyond mood regulation.
Studies have shown that psychedelics can modify eating behaviors through the serotonergic system. For example, during a psychedelic experience, some users report feeling less inclined to eat at all, while others experience a heightened sense of taste or a strong desire for certain foods. The exact mechanisms behind these changes remain unclear, but the connection between serotonin and appetite is evident. As serotonin influences the feeling of satiety (fullness), psychedelics that affect serotonin receptors may disrupt normal eating patterns.
Impact on the Default Mode Network (DMN)
Another important brain region affected by psychedelics is the Default Mode Network (DMN), a network of brain regions associated with self-referential thoughts, the ego, and the perception of the body. Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, LSD, and DMT, are known to reduce the activity of the DMN, which leads to altered perceptions of the self. This dissociation from the ego can profoundly affect how individuals perceive their relationship to food and their bodies.
For example, people might experience a shift in how they view cravings, hunger, and body image. This disruption of the DMN could lead to a more mindful eating experience, where individuals become more aware of the sensations of hunger and fullness, as opposed to eating out of habit, stress, or emotional triggers.
Psychedelics and Mindful Eating: A Shift in Perspective
One of the most notable ways psychedelics might influence eating habits is through their potential to foster mindful eating. Mindful eating involves paying attention to the sensory experience of eating—observing tastes, smells, textures, and the emotional connection to food. The disintegration of the ego during a psychedelic experience can allow individuals to break free from ingrained eating patterns and habits, offering them the opportunity to eat in a more conscious and intentional way.
Breaking Free from Emotional Eating
Many individuals struggle with emotional eating, using food as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions. Psychedelics, particularly ayahuasca and psilocybin, have been reported to help individuals gain deeper insights into their emotional well-being, offering a way to confront unresolved trauma and emotional blockages. This can lead to a reduction in emotional eating habits, as individuals may become more attuned to their emotional triggers and less reliant on food as a form of comfort.
Through the experience of “ego death” or the dissolution of the sense of self, individuals can achieve a deeper understanding of their relationship to food and body image. This newfound awareness can foster healthier eating habits, as people may become less concerned with external pressures (such as dieting or societal beauty standards) and more focused on nourishing their bodies in a balanced and sustainable way.
Connection Between Body and Mind
The psychedelic experience is often described as a profound journey of connection between the mind and body. For some, this may mean a deeper appreciation for the body’s needs, including its nutritional requirements. By increasing awareness of the body’s signals during the psychedelic experience, individuals may develop more intuitive eating habits that reflect the body’s true needs rather than external influences or emotional cravings.
The Influence of Psychedelics on Body Image and Eating Disorders
One area where psychedelics are having a significant impact is in the treatment of eating disorders. Disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating disorder are often linked to distorted body image, negative self-esteem, and deep-rooted emotional trauma. Emerging research and anecdotal evidence suggest that psychedelics, especially psilocybin and MDMA, may help individuals confront the psychological underpinnings of these disorders.
Psilocybin and Body Image Healing
Research into psilocybin therapy for mental health has shown that it can produce lasting positive changes in body image, even among those with eating disorders. The emotional breakthroughs experienced during a psilocybin session can allow individuals to confront their fears, anxieties, and negative self-image in a supportive, therapeutic environment. As a result, they may develop a healthier and more realistic perspective on their bodies.
In fact, some individuals with eating disorders have reported that after a single psilocybin experience, they feel less obsessive about food and appearance. This shift can help to alleviate some of the compulsive behaviors associated with eating disorders, leading to a more balanced and healthy relationship with food.
The Role of MDMA in Treating Eating Disorders
MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy) has also shown promise in treating trauma-related eating disorders. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, which is currently undergoing clinical trials, has been shown to help individuals confront deeply rooted psychological trauma in a safe, controlled environment. By reducing fear and enhancing emotional openness, MDMA allows individuals to explore their relationship with food, body image,and emotional triggers in a therapeutic context.
Psychedelics and the Future of Sustainable Eating
In addition to their potential therapeutic benefits, psychedelics may also influence our broader relationship with food systems and sustainability. As people undergo profound psychedelic experiences that emphasize interconnectedness, many report a heightened sense of compassion for the environment and other living beings. This shift in perspective could influence dietary choices, leading to more plant-based or ethically sourced food consumption.
Psychedelic Insights on Sustainability and Plant-Based Eating
Many users of psychedelics, particularly those who experience a deep connection with nature, report a shift toward plant-based diets. The awareness of interconnectedness fostered by psychedelics may prompt individuals to choose foods that are not only healthier but also more sustainable and environmentally friendly. This could lead to an increase in vegetarianism, veganism, or the adoption of a whole foods, plant-based diet that supports both personal health and the health of the planet.
The Potential Influence of Psychedelics on Food Sustainability and Ethical Choices
As the psychedelic renaissance unfolds, one of the most profound shifts being observed is the changing perspective on food and sustainability. This shift comes from the introspective nature of psychedelic experiences, which often prompt individuals to reevaluate their impact on the planet and their relationship with food sources. Given the interconnectedness and empathy often experienced under psychedelics, it’s no surprise that more people are reconsidering their food choices in terms of sustainability, ethics, and environmental impact.
A New Perspective on Plant-Based Eating
Among the most significant dietary changes reported by those who experience psychedelic trips is an increased awareness of the environment and other life forms. Many people express a deeper connection to nature, animals, and ecosystems, leading to more ethical food choices. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the growing trend of plant-based eating.
Many who consume psychedelics, especially those who report a heightened sense of empathy or a sense of unity with the earth, often choose to reduce or eliminate animal products from their diet. This shift is seen as an ethical and compassionate decision, in which individuals seek to reduce their environmental footprint and protect animal welfare. The plant-based movement, supported by research showing the environmental benefits of eating fewer animal products, is reinforced by the awareness and emotional shifts that psychedelics can induce.
For example, studies have shown that psychedelic experiences often lead individuals to embrace veganism or vegetarianism, as these diets are associated with less harm to animals and lower carbon footprints. This shift may reflect the growing societal concern over the impact of factory farming on the environment and the ethical considerations regarding the treatment of animals. With psychedelics influencing mindsets in this direction, there is potential for greater widespread adoption of more sustainable diets in the future.
The Environmental Impact of Psychedelics and Sustainable Practices
Beyond dietary changes, psychedelics could also foster a more profound awareness of the broader environmental consequences of food production. Psychedelic experiences often highlight themes of interconnectedness and harmony with the natural world, which could lead to an increased interest in sustainable farming practices, food waste reduction, and conservation efforts. For instance, some people have reported feeling a heightened sensitivity to the damage caused by industrial agricultural practices, including deforestation, pesticide use, and the depletion of soil health.
As such, individuals may become more inclined to support sustainable food systems by purchasing locally grown, organic produce or supporting regenerative farming methods. Regenerative farming focuses on practices that restore soil health, improve biodiversity, and sequester carbon from the atmosphere. This paradigm shift toward a more mindful and sustainable approach to eating could have profound effects on global food systems, aligning dietary choices with environmental stewardship.
Psychedelics and Food Cravings: A Potential for Transformation
Psychedelics have long been linked to changes in perception, appetite, and desires, but what’s particularly intriguing is how these experiences might influence long-term food cravings and habits. For many people, food cravings can be tied to emotional states or deep-seated psychological patterns. These patterns can often lead to unhealthy eating behaviors or overconsumption of processed, high-sugar, and high-fat foods. However, the shift in mindset produced by psychedelics may have the power to break these cycles.
Breaking the Cycle of Sugar Addiction
One common issue in modern diets is the addiction to sugar. Many individuals struggle to control sugar cravings, which can lead to overeating and increased risk for various chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Research has indicated that psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA can potentially help break these cravings by changing how the brain processes addiction-related pathways. As individuals undergo psychedelic experiences, they may gain clarity on how their relationship with food has been influenced by emotional triggers and societal pressures. This newfound awareness may allow them to break free from compulsive eating behaviors and make more conscious decisions about the food they consume.
In fact, there are anecdotal reports of people undergoing psilocybin therapy for addiction who experience reduced cravings for substances like sugar, caffeine, and processed foods. This shift toward healthier, more intentional eating habits could have profound implications not only for those struggling with food addiction but also for those looking to transform their overall relationship with food.
A Shift from Comfort Food to Nutrient-Dense Eating
In addition to cravings for sugar or unhealthy processed foods, many people often turn to comfort foods during times of stress, sadness, or boredom. These foods, typically high in calories, fats, and sugars, offer short-term relief but can contribute to long-term health problems like weight gain, nutrient deficiencies, and even depression.
Under the influence of psychedelics, people often experience an increase in mindfulness and self-awareness, making it easier for them to identify unhealthy eating patterns. This self-reflection allows for a shift in mindset—transforming the desire for unhealthy comfort foods into a craving for nutrient-dense, wholesome options. Psychedelic experiences could encourage individuals to embrace foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, leading to better nutrition and a more balanced diet.
For example, after undergoing a psychedelic experience, some individuals have reported feeling more attuned to the nutritional needs of their bodies and a reduction in their desire for highly processed or junk foods. This newfound awareness could result in long-lasting changes to an individual’s eating habits and food choices. The Role of Psychedelics in Promoting Eating Disorders Recovery
While psychedelics may influence eating habits in a variety of positive ways, they also show significant promise in the treatment of eating disorders. Psychedelic therapy, particularly when combined with psychotherapy, is being explored as a potential treatment for conditions like anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. These disorders are often deeply rooted in negative self-image, trauma, and a distorted relationship with food.
Psilocybin and Eating Disorder Therapy
Recent clinical trials have begun to investigate the potential benefits of psilocybin therapy for individuals with eating disorders. Studies have shown that psychedelics can foster a shift in perspective that helps individuals confront the emotional triggers and distorted thoughts driving their disordered eating behaviors. By interrupting harmful thought patterns and helping patients confront the root causes of their disorder, psilocybin could offer a new avenue for healing.
For example, a study involving people with anorexia nervosa showed that, when combined with psychotherapy, psilocybin helped participants increase self-compassion and develop healthier attitudes toward their bodies. Rather than viewing food as something to fear or control, patients began to view it as a source of nourishment and self-care.
MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for Eating Disorders
Additionally, MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is emerging as a promising treatment for eating disorders. MDMA helps reduce fear and anxiety, making it easier for patients to confront painful memories and traumatic experiences that may be fueling their disordered eating habits. By addressing the emotional trauma that often underlies these conditions, MDMA may help individuals regain control over their eating habits and improve their overall relationship with food.
Conclusion: Psychedelics as a Gateway to Healthier Eating Habits
As psychedelics continue to grow in popularity and research, the potential they hold to influence eating habits, nutrition, and overall well-being is becoming increasingly evident. By altering brain chemistry, shifting perspectives on body image, and fostering greater mindfulness around food, psychedelics could offer a transformative approach to dietary health and nutrition. From breaking the cycle of unhealthy cravings to promoting plant-based eating and aiding in eating disorder recovery, psychedelics may play a key role in helping individuals achieve a healthier, more balanced relationship with food.
While much remains to be explored regarding the long-term effects of psychedelics on eating habits and nutrition, their growing influence as a therapeutic tool cannot be ignored. As more people turn to psychedelics for mental health, personal growth, and wellness, it’s likely that they will continue to reshape the way we view food, health, and nutrition in the years to come. Q&A
Q: How do psychedelics influence food cravings?
A: Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, have been shown to alter the brain’s reward system, which can reduce cravings for unhealthy foods, sugar, and processed substances, promoting healthier food choices and mindful eating.
Q: Can psychedelics help with food addiction?
A: Yes, psychedelics, like psilocybin, are being studied as treatments for food addictions by helping individuals break free from compulsive eating patterns and emotional triggers that lead to unhealthy behaviors.
Q: How do psychedelics impact the desire for plant-based foods?
A: Psychedelics often lead to a greater connection with nature and empathy for animals, prompting individuals to adopt plant-based diets as a way to reduce environmental harm and support ethical food choices.
Q: Are psychedelics effective in treating eating disorders?
A: Early research shows that psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA can help individuals with eating disorders by promoting self-compassion, enhancing emotional processing, and addressing underlying trauma that drives disordered eating behaviors.
Q: Do psychedelics promote sustainable eating habits?
A: Psychedelic experiences often increase awareness of environmental issues, such as deforestation and climate change, leading individuals to make more sustainable food choices, like supporting regenerative farming and reducing animal product consumption.
Q: Can psychedelics help people control sugar cravings?
A: Research and anecdotal reports suggest that psychedelics can help reduce sugar cravings by addressing the brain’s reward pathways and changing how individuals respond to emotional triggers related to food.
Q: What role do psychedelics play in mindfulness around food?
A: Psychedelic experiences can increase mindfulness by fostering a heightened awareness of bodily sensations, hunger cues, and the emotional relationship with food, leading to more intentional and balanced eating habits.
Q: Can psychedelics alter the perception of food as a form of comfort?
A: Yes, psychedelics often alter emotional responses to food, helping individuals move away from emotional eating and towards a more balanced approach, viewing food as nourishment rather than a coping mechanism.
Q: How does the use of psychedelics impact the mental health of those with eating disorders?
A: Psychedelics can help individuals with eating disorders by fostering emotional healing and altering negative thought patterns, often enabling a healthier relationship with food and improving self-esteem and body image.
Q: Are psychedelics a safe option for altering eating habits?
A: While psychedelics show promise in changing eating habits, safety is key. These substances should be used under professional supervision, particularly when addressing eating disorders or other deep-rooted mental health issues.
