Table of contents:
- The reason for heartbreak decreases appetite
- The body's reaction when the heart is sad
- Tips to increase your appetite when you have a broken heart
Whether you are still as old as corn or have lived for years, a breakup will definitely make your emotions go awry. Well, whether we realize it or not, we also lose our appetite because we are heartbroken. Why does a broken heart make you lose your appetite? Is this normal?
The reason for heartbreak decreases appetite
Breaking up is one of the most common stressors. When your body responds to stress, you will feel your heart rate increase, breathing faster, muscles tense up, and blood pressure soaring up. This reaction is caused by the release of high amounts of stress hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine.
The body will also automatically turn off body functions that are not needed, such as the digestive system. Because the digestive system is shut down, the hormone ghremlin that triggers hunger will stop being produced to be replaced by the hormones leptin and corticotropin which suppress appetite. Moreover, an increase in the stress hormone cortisol also has a decreased motivation effect that makes you lazy, aka lazy to move, including lazy to eat.
The stress of a broken heart then also hinders the work of your brain to keep you focused on solving problems. That's why lying all day in bed crying over your ex's departure will feel easier and more sensible to do, rather than having to exhaust your energy and thoughts to move on and find food.
The body's reaction when the heart is sad
Reporting from YourTango, Marina Pearson and Debra Smouse stated that separation not only causes emotional scars, but also hurts the body.
This is because the stress of a broken heart causes a decrease in endogenous opioid receptors in the brain that make you feel discomfort and real physical pain. This is why you can experience stomach pain or chest tightness when you have a broken heart. Complaints of physical pain in general will cause a decrease in appetite.
Well, it is this combination of emotional and physical reactions to stress that can explain why a broken heart makes you lose your appetite.
Tips to increase your appetite when you have a broken heart
To restore appetite when you are upset, Pearson says that you must first manage your stress. Mourning and grieving are okay. In fact, what is dangerous is to bury your emotions deeply or to run away from reality.
Even though you still feel sad and can't move on completely, do simple things that can improve your mood. For example, by hanging out with friends, listening to music, watching comedy movies, doing grooves and luluran, meni-pedi, or taking a short walk in a city park to clear your mind. Do whatever activities can keep yourself busy, so that thoughts about your ex can be distracted and eventually fade away.
Believe that every storm that comes will pass. Remember, breakups aren't always bad. Maybe this is a sign that your relationship is not good to continue. Take the positives of whatever you experience in life.