Lost a few hours this weekend on Pinterest? You might jokingly call the site "addictive," but new studies suggest that you could be more right than you know.

The condition is called "Internet addiction disorder" (IAD), and we'll probably be hearing a lot more about it in the coming years. Even Deepak Chopra has weighed in on this 21st century problem.

While some doubt the existence of the disorder, research published in the science journal, PLoS ONE, suggests that obsessive Internet use can actually damage the brain, similar to alcohol or drug dependency. 

Brain scans of Internet-addicted participants showed reductions in their white matter, or the neuronal fiber pathways that connect parts of the brain together. Disruption of these pathways can negatively impact emotions, decision-making, and self-control. The study also suggested that if the addition continued, the changed brain structure would likely be permanent.

Sounds pretty scary, right? But there's no need to panic and toss out your "crackberry" just yet. True IAD means a person is literally unable to control their Internet use, at the expense of their lives and relationships. 

Most of us who kill and hour here and there on Etsy or Facebook are unlikely to undergo any permanent brain alteration. However, taking a technology time-out now and again is never a bad idea. You may even find it a relaxing change of pace.

Like Deepak says in the video, it's all about mindfulness when it comes to the Internet.

"Technology is not stoppable. That's the problem…. But what you can see is that when you practice mindfulness, you rewire the brain in a completely different direction."

Do you spend too much time surfing? What do you do to cut back on Internet dependency?

Addictions and prescriptions top the headlines this week as Deepak Chopra discusses digital dependency and Celebrity Chef Paula Deen makes an announcement that has everyone taking sides. The CEO of Stoneyfield Yogurt steps down to fight GMOs, and IIN teacher Dr. David Katz offers real-world nutrition guidance for a society surrounded by potato chips.

Find all that and more right here in the IINsiders Digest.  

Did you miss all the latest nutrition news? Don't worry we collected all the hottest topics for you to easily digest right here. Deepak Chopra discusses diabetes and the circle of life and IIN grads are making headlines. Plus encouraging news about the fight against obesity. 

Type 2 Diabetes and the Circle of Life [VIDEO]
By IIN Faculty Deepak Chopra
Huffington Post
Type 2 diabetes has become an increasing problem in modern America. Because it is chiefly linked to obesity, as more people become overweight and as the age of gaining weight reaches down into childhood, a largely preventable disease turns into an epidemic. The litany about such lifestyle disorders is now familiar to almost everyone. The changes that prevent Type 2 diabetes all move in the direction of moderation: a balanced diet, exercise and management of stress. Read more.

This was a hot week for nutrition news. IIN faculty members Deepak Chopra and David Katz offer their insights on health and wellness. Kale is a buzz word thanks to a Vermont t-shirt maker. EWG put out a report on sugar cereal that has Kellogg's scrambling to defend their products. And Monsanto's corn is for the bugs. Plus, more hot topics we collected here in one spot for you to easily digest. 

Can positive thinking make you well?
By IIN faculty Deepak Chopra
CNN
Observers may have noticed recently that mainstream medicine is taking a harder line against positive thinking. Surveys of the leading research in the field conclude that recovery rates from cancer, for example, are not higher among patients who take a positive attitude about fighting their disease. Studies that show the reverse have been small and, according to their critics, flawed in serious ways. Read more.

Reimbursement for Obesity Counseling: So What?
By IIN faculty member David Katz, MD

Wow! It’s been a few days since our 2011 Fall IINto Action conference and we’re still buzzing with the amazing energy that we, and the 4,000 Health Coaches that joined us from around the world, experienced at the Jacob Javits Center over the weekend!

We had students from Israel, Canada, Mexico, England, France, Aruba, Lebanon, Dubai, South Africa, Iceland, Shanghai, Chile, Turkey, Sweden, and Argentina in attendance!

We heard some incredible speakers including Deepak Chopra, Mark Hyman, MD, Dr David Katz, Dr. Joel Fuhrman, Sally Fallon and a surprise visit from Kathy Freston.

Integrative Nutrition Founder Joshua Rosenthal inspired our students and grads to spread health and happiness worldwide.

We’ve heard from many of you already, and the feedback so far has been overwhelming! It sounds like you were pretty IINspired this weekend.

Wow, 2011 is whizzing by! The year has offered so much in the form of opportunity, change, and reflection. We thought we would give you the highlights of what has been and what is to come in 2011. 

January

• In 2010 Integrative Nutrition gave over $170,000 to a variety of incredible charitable organizations like Slow Food USA, Healthy Child, Healthy World and Farm Sanctuary.  Now…we’re on our way to donating over $200,000 in 2011!
• Our what’s your vision? essay contest receives over 1,100 entries. It’s a tough decision but we pick 2 winners who are awarded full tuition scholarships.