The body's response to stress is an adaptive phenomenon in order to manage real or perceived risk. However, if the stressor is chronic or very severe it can trigger or accelerate a wide variety of illnesses and disorders, including mood disorders such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression.
The brain has the ability to remember what substance is causing the state of rest it desires. In situations of fatigue and insomnia, the brain looks for foods that will make it feel better. So, with these foods he tries to fill the internal gap and support the reward system.
Studies on stress have shown that people who have higher levels of cortisol are more likely to eat more and more high-calorie foods. These foods can activate the reward system by causing dependence on food corresponding to that of drugs and substances.
Stress stimulant foods
Foods that contain sugar, salt, white flour and foods that are low in vitamins and minerals stimulate the stress system and weaken the body's resistance. Foods rich in carbohydrates and fat stimulate the neurotransmitter system (endorphins and dopamine) that affects pain control, reward, enjoyment, satisfaction and addiction.