Why does stress make us want to eat? Is there anything physiological going on? Yes. A researcher from University of New South Wales has shown that foods which are high in fat and high in sugar (also commonly known as comfort food) reduces stress in the short term and in the longer term. However, the exact mechanism of this relationship is not yet known. It has been suggested that high fat and high sugar foods might be influencing our mood by causing changes to the level of the hormones dopamine and serotonin.
The research also showed that high fat foods have a role in long term mental trauma (such as childhood neglect and abuse). Basically, providing these food will help reduce the long term effect from trauma. This is pretty amazing. This actually reminds me of the novel Harry Potter, where Harry is fed chocolate after stressful events (e.g. contact with Dementors) and it make him feel better. Apparently, it is scientific! Chocolate is first aid for stress.
Image from: http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110811075223/harrypotter/images/8/8e/Chocolate_Frog.jpg
The research also showed that high fat foods have a role in long term mental trauma (such as childhood neglect and abuse). Basically, providing these food will help reduce the long term effect from trauma. This is pretty amazing. This actually reminds me of the novel Harry Potter, where Harry is fed chocolate after stressful events (e.g. contact with Dementors) and it make him feel better. Apparently, it is scientific! Chocolate is first aid for stress.
Image from: http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110811075223/harrypotter/images/8/8e/Chocolate_Frog.jpg
Now, before you start eating high energy snacks there is something else which has the same positive benefits as comfort food. This is regular exercise. So if you are stressed, do some regular exercise. This will make you feel great, help you get better sleep and prevent weight gain from stress eating.
This blog was inspired from watching an episode of Catalyst from ABC. If you want this episode, see http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/3166827.htm
This blog was inspired from watching an episode of Catalyst from ABC. If you want this episode, see http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/3166827.htm
I have also linked an article below for some further reading about "Why stress causes people to overeat". It has some helpful tips for those who struggle with stress snacking. See http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/harvard_mental_health_letter/2012/february/why-stress-causes-people-to-overeat
