Hunger can cause symptoms that are similar to that of depression. If you find yourself reaching for the cookie jar after a stressful day, the chances are your cravings are being fueled by a hunger hormone known as ghrelin. Now, scientists are beginning to unravel the intimate relationship between hunger hormones, emotions, stress and energy levels in the hope of developing a treatment for stress-related anxiety and depression.
It’s no secret that when some people feel depressed or under stress they seek out food. We’ve always thought of this as ‘comfort eating’ which provides solace in foods that are easy to eat and provide a sugar rush to make us feel better.
