Sometimes after a long, grueling day that involved a heated argument with your best friend and a disappointing test grade along with a group project assigned in English class, you crave the comfort of a gooey, cheesy, pizza and the relaxation of binging on Netflix. 

Carbohydrates are associated with many foods, especially, pizza, pasta, bread, and starchy vegetables.

So, why is it that carbs deliver such enjoyment? According to NPR’s article Can You Be Addicted To Carbs?, these fast-digesting carbs stimulate parts of the brain that are associated with comfort and pleasure. A majority of people think that they really only enjoy these foods because of the flavor; when in fact, it’s giving them real comfort. 

The Scribe conducted a survey in advisory on personal interests and obsessions. Sophomore, Will Livingston, said he’s addicted to saltine crackers. Saltines, pasta, and bread are just a few of the carbs he enjoys. 

“I’ve been hooked for a couple years now. Sometimes I eat 2 to 3 packs a day,” said Livingston. Furthermore, he says he craves them the most after a strenuous day. “They’re just comforting,” Livingston said. “Whenever I’m hungry, I just gravitate toward carbs.” 

Another student, sophomore Esteban Flores, has a love for pasta. Flores said pasta makes him feel safe. “Sometimes I need that comfort,” said Flores.

Dr. Sara Allen D.O., local physician, said that the human brain is wired to make people binge on these foods . “500 million years ago, when we would find these sugars in nature, we would eat as much as possible to soak up the nutrients,” Dr. Allen explained. “You feel pleasure in your brain, like if you consumed a drug.”

Although they might taste great, they might not be so great for a healthy diet. Dr. Allen explained that carbs are really just a fancy word for complex sugar. The needed percentage of carbs in a human’s diet is 45 percent; but, too many carbs can cause harm.

 “These carb high diets damage our liver equally as much or even more than alcohol,” Dr. Allen said. Too much of these sugars causes a buildup of fat in your liver, which can lead to liver disease. A common disease from carb overload is type two diabetes.

So, next time you’re craving those carbs, just know that it might not be worth it.