Often want to eat sweets when stressed? apparently this is why

Stress can affect your body in many ways. Starting from lowering mood , increase appetite, and even make you want to eat a variety of sweet foods. What exactly makes you want to eat sweets when stressed?

The relationship between stress and sweet cravings

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

1. Sugar intake reduces the stress-causing hormone cortisol

Stress is triggered by the release of the hormone cortisol hipoccampus contained in the brain. The release of cortisol triggers an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, respiration and muscle function.

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

The craving for sweet foods when stressed is thought to be related to cortisol in the body. In one study, it was found that sugar consumption decreased cortisol levels and activity hipoccampus . The brain's response to stress has also improved.

However, the direct relationship between sugar intake and stress still needs to be studied further. Sugar intake is not the only factor affecting activity hippocampus. There are still other factors that need to be investigated.

2. Eating sweets when stressed provides energy for the brain

The brain needs energy in order to carry out its functions. On average, the adult brain uses 20 percent of the total body energy. When stressed, this vital organ requires an additional 12 percent of energy.

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

One of the functions of the brain is to regulate the body's metabolism, digestion and the ability to think. When there is a lack of glucose, the brain cannot perform this function because it is blocked by a type of nerve in the hypothalamus.

This is what makes you want to eat sweets when stressed. Your brain doesn't have enough energy to function properly, and sugary foods are the simplest, quickest source of carbohydrates that can be used.

3. Sugar stimulates feelings of happiness

Sugar intake can stimulate the release of the hormone dopamine and a part of the brain called nucleus accumbens . These two factors give rise to a strong feeling of happiness. These feelings are even similar to the effects of cocaine and heroin consumption.

In addition, sugar intake also triggers the release of the hormone serotonin. This hormone provides a calming effect so that stress feels relieved. This effect is what gives the impression that sugary foods can overcome stress.

However, this effect is not felt when you eat foods with artificial sweeteners. The resulting sweet taste only triggers your brain and body to eat more. As a result, you eat lots of sugary foods when you are stressed.

Even so, regarding this matter still shows mixed results. Further research is needed to discuss the exact relationship between stress mechanisms and consumption of natural sugars and artificial sweeteners.

Sweet eating when stressed does have a positive effect for some people, but make sure you don't overdo it. The reason is, excess sugar intake can increase the risk of a number of health problems.

If you crave sweet foods, choose sugary foods or drinks that are healthier. S moothie unsweetened fruit, fresh fruit, yogurt with whole grains, dark chocolate, or homemade cookies can all be good choices.