Stress leads to problems in the body. Due to emotional upheavals, a person becomes restless, cannot sleep and eat normally. When the condition returns to normal, there may be problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
“Under stress, areas of the brain are inhibited: the hypothalamus, which regulates the functions of the nervous and endocrine systems, and the limbic system, which is responsible for emotions. This leads to a decrease in pleasure hormones – serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Appetite and activity also decrease,” explained in an interview with “Izvestia” psychotherapist, sexologist Alexey Vilkov.
The fact is that with anxiety, acute stress releases adrenaline, which blocks appetite. As soon as the emotional state subsides, cortisol is released. This hormone has a positive effect on appetite to replenish the reserves, resources and calories spent by the body.
However, cortisol causes people to begin to “seize” stress and eat unhealthy, junk food. As psychologist Olesya Maryaeva explained, the body thinks that it is in danger and begins to store up energy.
Appetite is also blocked during the production of endorphins, hormones of happiness. They stand out, for example, on a new date. Therefore, lovers, as a rule, are not up to food.
If love is unrequited, then this can lead to depressive states. A person loses interest in everything, quickly gets tired and eats little. Hunger hormones such as ghrelin affect poor appetite. Due to experiences, it is produced in small quantities, which leads to reduced appetite.
“Any stress can even be useful in moderation, so that a person can effectively get rid of negative experiences. But in personal relationships, it is just important to remain calm and receive as many positive emotions as possible,” Vilkov emphasized.
Sufferers develop heartburn, a lump in the throat, a feeling of a “standing” stomach, abdominal pain, and intestinal dysfunction. These symptoms can persist for a very long time. If they linger for a few weeks, they can stay for many years. Even with the disappearance of stress.
In addition to the stomach, experiences also affect the heart. Doctors advise to increase stress resistance, get rid of stress factors, change lifestyle or add physical activity. If necessary, you can contact a psychotherapist.
