Managing stress can be accomplished in different kinds of approaches. Other people go to the gym, play golf, or eat their favorite comfort food. What you may not realize, though, is that consuming your comfort food during stress can lead to several health problems. Scientists have just recently discovered that eating certain foods may be associated with mental health problems as well as the risk of heart disease.
Why Do People to Eat When They Are Stressed?
(Photo : Pixabay/Ryan McGuire )
The hormones that are released as a result of stress, as well as the impacts of 'comfort foods' that are high in fat and sugar, lead people to overeat. Researchers have found a connection between stress and weight increase.
As stated, a decrease in appetite might be a short-term effect of stress. The kidneys' adrenal glands release epinephrine or adrenaline when the neurological system signals them. Epinephrine facilitates the activation of the fight-or-flight response, an adrenaline-pumping physiological condition that causes a transient cessation of feeding.
However, if the tension continues, the situation is quite different. Another hormone known as cortisol is released by the adrenal glands, which enhances hunger and motivation, including eating. While cortisol levels should drop after a stressful incident, they may stay high if the stress persists or if the stress response remains on.
On the other hand, researchers discovered that those experiencing stress consume unhealthy foods such as chocolate or crisps. Nevertheless, this may reduce the amount of blood that goes to the brain, which causes vascular function to become impaired. Therefore, this may escalate the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease and negatively impact mental health and cognitive function.
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Adverse Effect of Stressed Eating Comfort Foods
According to the findings of a recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, consuming foods that are high in fat prior to experiencing stressful events may negatively impact the function of endothelial cells.
As mentioned, a single layer of cells, the endothelium, secures the blood vessels. It plays a role in constriction and relaxation of blood vessels when active and working appropriately. The endothelium is also responsible for the organization of the transport of fluids and other chemicals to the tissues of your body. However, an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, obstructed arteries, and hypertension can result from endothelial dysfunction.
As per the research, it is known that stress causes a reduction in endothelial function in healthy young adults for approximately 15 to 90 minutes after a stressful incident. These people reportedly consume fatty and sugary foods, which can damage blood vessels and cause endothelial dysfunction.
Additionally, the authors hypothesized that there could be a potential interaction between the effects of stress and the ingestion of fat, which would result in an even more significant reduction in blood flow.
The researchers also mentioned that high-fat foods were detrimental to oxygenation in the pre-frontal cortex, the cerebral region accountable for more complex cognitive processes. Accordingly, upon consuming the high-fat lunch, individuals saw a 39% decrease in oxygenated hemoglobin, the component of red blood cells that transports oxygen, compared to individuals who had consumed a low-fat dinner.
Furthermore, registered dietitian and nutrition consultant for the National Coalition on Healthcare, Kelsey Costa, MS, RDN, pointed out that it is generally acknowledged that plant-based meals that are rich in bioactive substances, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, can have beneficial impacts on the function of endothelium cells. Specific nutrients, including blueberries, beetroot, and plums, may reportedly benefit endothelial dysfunction. Thus, Costa suggested that beverages high in polyphenols, such as green tea and pomegranate juice, could also be beneficial.
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