By DR. KOMOROFF Universal Uclick on Aug 26, 2013, at 2:22 AM Updated on 8/26/13 at 3:57 AM
Dear Doctor K: Why do I eat when I'm stressed out? Can you suggest ways to help me overcome this impulse?
Dear Reader: The effect of stress on appetite is a bit complicated. An acute stressor can actually shut down appetite. For our ancestors in prehistoric times, an acute stressor might have been an approaching lion. For us it might be an approaching automobile, a fire, or a medical emergency involving a family member.
During such acute stress, the brain sends messages to the adrenal glands atop the kidneys to pump out the hormone epinephrine (also known as adrenaline). Epinephrine helps trigger the body's fight-or-flight response. That's a revved-up physiological state that temporarily puts appetite on hold.
But the drip-drip-drip of chronic stress, day in and day out, is a different story. The adrenal glands release another hormone called cortisol, which increases appetite and may also ramp up the motivation to eat.
Stress hormones increase a craving for high-fat, sugary foods. Once ingested, these foods may inhibit activity in the parts of the brain that control stress and related emotions. In other words, these foods really are "comfort" foods in that they seem to counteract stress. This may contribute to your stress-induced craving for them.
The best way to counter chronic stress-induced eating may be to deal with your underlying stress.
Meditation reduces stress and may help you become more mindful of your food choices.
Low-intensity exercise may reduce cortisol levels. Some activities, such as yoga and tai chi, have elements of both exercise and meditation.
Friends, family and other social supports can ease the effect of stress. Reach out to friends and family for help from time to time.
While you're working on lowering your stress, rid your refrigerator and cupboards of high-fat, sugary foods. Keeping those "comfort foods" handy is just inviting trouble.
Write Dr. K at
www.AskDoctorK.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64106
Health & Fitness
Dear Doctor K: I have hypertension. Should I be monitoring my blood pressure at home?
Dear Doctor K: After my last mammogram, the doctor told me I have dense breasts. Does this increase my risk of cancer?
