Do you ever eat more because you are stressed out? Some people eat less when they are stressed, others eat more. The ones that eat more, sometimes find that certain “comfort foods” help to reduce their stress.
With our fast-paced on the go society, we’re facing more pressures than ever before and for many Americans the “drug” of choice is food, which can increase serotonin levels.
Certain prescription drugs also increase serotonin levels. These drugs are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. They inhibit the breakdown of serotonin, therefore boosting the level of the hormone.
Some of these drugs are Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and Sertraline (Zoloft). These drugs have many potential side effects, including suicide.
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Gut bacteria are responsible for making much of our serotonin. If we have a healthy balance of good gut bacteria, we can produce much more serotonin naturally. Fermented vegetables, such as sauerkraut and yogurt can help increase serotonin producing bacteria. It is also helpful to take a high quality probiotic daily.
Vitamin D levels are also important to fight depression. If you never had a vitamin D blood test, you should. Optimizing vitamin D levels is also essential for many other aspects of your health.
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The Science Behind Stress and Eating:
Eating chocolate or carbohydrates temporarily lifts your mood by boosting the levels of your feel-good hormone, which is serotonin. When your serotonin levels are boosted, you feel good emotionally, at least temporarily.
Eating excess amounts of food when you are stressed, is an unhealthy way to deal with stress, because stress eating boosts your body’s insulin response, packs on the pounds and leaves to more food cravings. The end product is that you may temporarily feel better, but in the long run, you will feel worse, both emotionally and physically.
7 Ways to Stop Stress Eating:
1. Let go of “perfection.” Many of us put stress on ourselves, which can cause powerful cravings that can leave you reaching for carbohydrates to help you cope. Instead, accept yourself for who you are and what you are.
2. Surround yourself with support. Whether it’s family, friends or even a loving pet. The positive emotions we experience in these situations lift our moods. At the same time, limit your contact with people who are sharply critical of you, since they’ll only cause more stress.
3. Cultivate beauty and calm in your life. Buy some fresh flowers, if they please you. Enjoy soothing music. Watch a comedy and laugh. Allow yourself some time to just be at peace.
4. Choose caring health-care providers wisely. Select ones who take the time to inform you of treatment options and support your participation in planning your care.
5. Take advantage of the many ways you can de-stress, whether it’s exercise, a hobby, reading a good book, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, meditation or energy work.
6. Learn to love yourself and nurture the caring individuals in your life.
7. Above all, learn to listen to and trust your own gut intuition. No one knows you and your needs better than you do.