Khaberni - Dr. Olga Kushnarieva points out that consuming sweets is not a direct cause of depression, but it may exacerbate anxiety through physiological and behavioral mechanisms.
She says: "Studies document a link between excessive sugar consumption and anxiety or depression, but it is an indirect link. Lifestyle, stress levels, and pre-existing psychological difficulties are often behind this."
According to her, fast carbohydrates cause sharp fluctuations in blood sugar levels. A brief period of increased energy is followed by a drop accompanied by fatigue and irritability or apathy. Regularly experiencing these "fluctuations" reduces stress tolerance and impairs focus.
The doctor points out that the intense craving for sweets is often linked to trying to cope with stress. This is because sugar stimulates the production of dopamine, which provides a temporary feeling of ease. Over time, this evolves into a continuous behavioral pattern, in which sweets become a means to regulate emotions.
According to her, it is important to differentiate between normal eating habits and overeating driven by emotion. The former relates to eating habits, while the latter is an attempt to cope with negative experiences through food.
The expert confirms that a sharp drop in blood sugar levels can increase anxiety and cause physical symptoms such as weakness and irritability, which may be interpreted by a person as psychological distress.
According to her, this problem is not isolated from others. Because diet, stress levels, sleep, and overall health play crucial roles. When these factors stabilize, the intense craving for sweets usually subsides without the need for strict restrictions.
