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The Impact of High Cortisol on Food Cravings and Emotional Eating

Have you ever noticed that stress makes you reach for unhealthy snacks? This is because cortisol, your body’s stress hormone, drives cravings for sugary and high-fat foods.

Here’s how cortisol impacts food cravings and what you can do about it.

How Cortisol Causes Cravings:

Increases Appetite:
When cortisol spikes, it signals your brain that you need fast energy, even when you don’t. This leads to intense cravings for sugar and processed foods because your body is looking for quick fuel to handle stress.

Fight-or-Flight Response:
Cortisol is designed to keep you going during high-stress moments. The hormone stimulates hunger for high-calorie foods to replenish your energy reserves, even though there may not be an actual need for immediate fuel. Over time, this leads to overeating.

Imbalance of Hunger Hormones:
Elevated cortisol disrupts the balance between ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and leptin (the fullness hormone), making you feel hungrier while also making it harder to feel full. This results in overeating and increased cravings.

Weight Gain:
These cravings, paired with high cortisol, lead to weight gain, particularly around the belly. The more stressed you are, the more fat your body tends to store in the abdominal area.

How to Break the Cortisol-Craving Cycle:

Stress Reduction:
Practice yoga, breathwork, or even take a short walk. These habits help lower cortisol levels and calm food cravings. I personally use ashwagandha powder in my protein smoothies to help manage stress and support my gut health.

Choose Healthy Snacks:
Instead of reaching for processed snacks, choose dark chocolate, nut butter with apple slices, or Greek yogurt with berries. These choices provide the energy you need without triggering cortisol spikes.

Mindful Eating:
Practicing mindful eating helps reduce stress-related emotional eating. Slow down, breathe, and focus on how your body feels.

By managing cortisol and practicing mindful nutrition, you can prevent stress-induced cravings and support both your gut health and overall well-being.

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Disclaimer:
Dr. Ryan Kime is a physician and medical graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with nearly 20 years of experience in emergency medicine and commended by the U.S. Congress and California State Legislature for his clinical excellence. He understands how gut health and lifestyle choices impact our health and well-being. As a certified holistic nutritionist, he is passionate and pursues educating, coaching, and helping others improve their gut health so they can live their best life.

This video is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Please consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen or diet. This content should not replace professional medical advice or a medical exam.