You’ve had a rough day, and what do you do? You find yourself reaching for that chocolate bar, cookie, or even a comforting bowl of ice cream—anything sugary to help soothe the stress. And guess what? It works, at least for a little while. But is it just a mental trick? Actually, it seems there’s more to it.
Recent research reveals that sugar can significantly lower cortisol levels, the hormone our bodies unleash during stressful times. In this study, scientists enlisted 19 women and divided them into two groups. For 12 days, one group sipped beverages sweetened with aspartame, while the other enjoyed drinks containing a hefty dose of table sugar (25 percent sucrose, to be exact).
Before and after the experiment, researchers took saliva samples to measure cortisol levels and conducted functional MRI scans while participants tackled challenging math problems—a task known to elevate stress levels. Before the sugary showdown, both groups performed similarly. However, the results after the 12-day period were telling: those who indulged in sugar had lower cortisol levels, while the aspartame group showed heightened stress responses. Plus, the sugar group displayed increased brain activity in regions linked to fear and stress.
But don’t go diving headfirst into a tub of ice cream just yet! Study author Jenna Fields warns against using sugar as a go-to stress buster. While it might provide temporary relief, regular indulgence in sweet treats could lead to weight gain and increase the risk of serious health issues like diabetes and heart disease. Instead, Fields suggests that these findings hint at a metabolic pathway sensitive to sugar, which could pave the way for new treatments for stress-related conditions.
So, before you grab that ice cream scoop next time stress knocks at your door, consider swapping it for a stroll in the park or maybe treating yourself to a pedicure. Those options not only elevate your mood without the sugar crash but also help you fit into those skinny jeans more comfortably!
For more insights on dealing with stress and enhancing your journey to parenthood, check out our other blog posts, including some handy tips on home insemination kits here. And if you’re looking for reliable information, the CDC offers excellent resources on infertility and reproductive health here.
Summary
In short, while stress might lead you to crave sugary comfort foods, science suggests that sugar can indeed lower cortisol levels. However, relying on sweets as a coping mechanism can have long-term health consequences. Instead, consider healthier stress relief options and explore resources that can assist you on your parenting journey.