Breaking the Cycle: How To Combat Stress Eating

Date: Sunday 09 Mar 2025

Stress eating disrupts the gut microbiome and creates a feedback loop that increases stress, potentially leading to eating disorders. Research by Estefania Azevedo and Whitnei Smith indicates that prolonged stress elevates cortisol levels, which can increase appetite for high-calorie foods. This behavior places a constant demand on the body’s regulatory systems, contributing to metabolic dysregulation and obesity.

Improving gut health through diet may help manage stress-eating behaviors. Studies by John Cryan and Ted Dinan show that a better diet and probiotics can enhance beneficial gut microbes, helping to reduce food addiction and binge eating. A microbiome-friendly diet rich in fiber, including vegetables and fermented foods, can improve resilience and mood. The article also emphasizes the role of exercise in promoting gut health and supporting recovery from stress eating. By focusing on the microbiome, individuals may break the cycle of stress and poor eating habits, leading to greater overall well-being.

Source: Can you treat eating disorders with a microbiome-friendly diet?

Read more here:  https://www.brothersinarmsscotland.co.uk/information/our-mens-wellbeing-articles/2025/march/09/breaking-the-cycle-how-a-microbiome-friendly-diet-can-combat-stress-eating/