Why Do You So Want To Eat Sweet Foods When Stressed?

Healthy Living - Stress can affect your body in various ways. Starting from lowering the mood, increasing appetite, even making you want to eat a variety of sweet foods. What exactly makes you want to eat sweet when stressed?

The relationship between stress and the desire to eat sweet

Various studies have been conducted to see the relationship between stress and the desire to eat sweet foods. These studies produce the following theories:

1. Sugar intake lowers the stress hormone cortisol

Stress is triggered by the release of cortisol hormones from the hipoccampus found in the brain. The release of cortisol triggers an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, breathing, and muscle function.

This mechanism is actually useful for increasing your alertness when dealing with stressful situations. However, the amount of cortisol that is too high can cause stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression.

The desire to eat sweet when stress is thought to be related to cortisol in the body. In one study, it was found that sugar consumption reduced the amount of cortisol and hypocampus activity. Brain responses in response to stress also improve.
However, a direct relationship between sugar intake and stress still needs to be studied further. Sugar intake is not the only factor that affects hippocampus activity. There are still other factors that need to be examined.

2. Eat sweet when stress gives energy to the brain

The brain needs energy in order to function. On average, the adult brain uses 20 percent of the body's total energy. When stressed, this vital organ requires additional energy as much as 12 percent.

The brain's energy source comes from carbohydrates, and sugar (glucose) is the type of carbohydrate that is most easily converted into energy. Lack of carbohydrate intake, plus stress and hunger conditions, can reduce a number of brain functions.

One of the functions of the brain is regulating the body's metabolism, digestion, and thinking ability. When lack of glucose, the brain cannot carry out this function because it is blocked by a type of nerve in the hypothalamus.
This is what makes you want to eat sweet when stressed. Your brain doesn't have enough energy to function properly, and sweet foods are the simplest source of carbohydrates that can be used quickly.

3. Sugar stimulates feelings of happiness

Sugar intake can stimulate the release of the hormone dopamine and the part of the brain called the nucleus accumbens. Both of these factors lead to strong feelings of happiness. These feelings are even similar to the effects of consuming cocaine and heroin.

In addition, sugar intake also triggers the release of serotonin. This hormone has a calming effect so that stress subsides. This effect makes the impression that sweet foods can deal with stress.
However, this effect is not felt when you eat foods with artificial sweeteners. The resulting sweetness only triggers your brain and body to eat more. As a result, you eat lots of sweet foods when stressed.
Even so, regarding this matter still shows mixed results. Further research is needed to discuss the exact relationship between stress mechanisms and the consumption of natural sugars and artificial sweeteners.

Eating sweet while stressing does have a positive effect on some people, but make sure you don't consume it excessively. Because the excess sugar intake can increase the risk of a number of health problems.

If you really want sweet foods, choose sweet foods or drinks that are healthier. Sugarless fruit smoothies, fresh fruits, yogurt with whole grains, dark chocolate, or homemade cakes can be the right choice.

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