Have you ever been stressed, and then you couldn't eat? Or, just the opposite, you were stressed, so you over ate.
Why does stress alter our eating ?
Stress is defined as a state of mental tension, and worry caused by a variety of issues, whether big or small. Stress can be small, for example, not knowing what to order in a restaurant. Stress can be big, for example, preparing a speech before addressing the nation as a new president. The environmentally, and self imposed stress levels change human internal equilibrium. Hormones are released.
"When a person experiences stress, the brain releases a chemical called corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF). CRF triggers a cascade of other chemicals which eventually cause the release of the stress hormone, cortisol, from the adrenal glands,...(https://adrenalfatigue.org/blog/tag/stress-and-digestion)."
"Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a 41 amino acid-containing peptide, appears to mediate not only the endocrine but also the autonomic and behavioral responses to stress (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9854171)."
Stress can impede peristaltic activity. Stress hormones are the primary ingredients of our fight or flight response. If we don't use the energy and added benefits of the increase in adrenaline, our body has to systemically cope. The chemicals are stagnant when they aren't used. The gastrointestinal tract is blocked for efficiency in a fight, whether it is a physical, mental, or emotional fight. Peristalsis activities decrease.
What is peristaltic activity, you might ask.
"Peristalsis: The rippling motion of muscles in the digestive tract. In the stomach, this motion mixes food with gastric juices, turning it into a thin liquid (http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/mobileart.asp?articlekey=4839)."
Gastrointestinal means that the location is in the intestines, or gut. Gastrointestinal activities include ingestion, and propulsion. Peristalsis is part of propulsion inside of the GI tract.
The peristalsis regulating hormone, CRF functions in an enzyme-substrate relationship with CRF receptors. CRF receptors are localized in more parts than the brain. CRF receptors are in the entrails, too. CRF impacts the digestive system directly. The impacts may be experienced as constipation, pain, or gastrointestinal upset. Stress can also alter intestinal permeability. Intestinal permeability rates how easily the walls of the intestines permit different substances to pass through. The walls of the intestines are supposed to block poisons, but if they don't it is detrimental to our health.
Effects of Increased Intestinal Permeability:
abdominal bloating
indigestion
joint pain
food allergies
fuzzy thinking
rashes
mood swings
fatigue
hay fever
anxiety
depression
digestive problems
headaches
heart disease
sleep problems
weight gain
memory and concentration impairments
(https://adrenalfatigue.org/blog/tag/stress-and-digestion/)
The positive purposes of the stress hormones are to activate the fight-or-flight system. In our fast-paced world the fight-or-flight system seems to be activated in many of us all of the time.
"Through a combination of nerve and hormonal signals, this system prompts your adrenal glands, located atop your kidneys, to release a surge of hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline increases your heart rate, elevates your blood pressure and boosts energy supplies (http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037)."
Why does stress stop peristalsis?
Adrenaline heightens all of our senses. Cortisol is the dominant stress hormone. Cortisol increases glucose in the bloodstream. The use of glucose increases. Also, the availability of substances that repair tissues proliferates.
Cortisol primes the body for fight or flight. For example, before a race you won't have to use the restroom. Likewise, in a fight you won't have to run to the restroom. This hormone stems nonessential functions for a fight-or-flight situation. It alters immune system responses and suppresses the digestive system, the reproductive system, and growth processes. Cortisol communicates with regions of your brain that control mood, motivation and fear. Cortisol decreases peristalsis.
How can stress make you not eat?
Stress can suppress the appetite. The central nervous system, hypothalamus, produces corticotropin-releasing hormone. The stress response causes the stomach to stop digestion of food. The stress inhibited digestive system curbs peristalsis. All of these actions help us when we're in real danger, but can cause problems if the body experiences stress responses too often.
How can stress make you over eat?
High cortisol levels, in combination with high insulin levels, are the targets. Include ghrelin, the hunger hormone, too. Once ingested, fat- and sugar-filled foods have a negative feedback effect that inhibits activity in the parts of the brain that produce and process stress and related emotions. These are comfort foods, and they counteract stress. People begin to crave these foods.
Stress is a major environmental factor that affects us in many different ways. It can change your eating habits. Stress inhibits peristalsis.
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