Being ill can alter your eating habits! Sickness-induced stress makes body crave sugar & carbs
A food craving goes beyond a mere desire to eat, it encompasses a complex mix of emotional, behavioural, cognitive and physiological processes. Whether it's the need for a quick energy source or a temporary relief from discomfort, our bodies and minds work in tandem to drive our food preferences.
Here we'll explore the science behind why our bodies crave sugar and carbs — especially when we're sick.
Fuelling the immune system
When sickness strikes, our immune system springs into action, requiring additional energy to combat invaders.
This heightened activity often leads to an increase in our metabolic rate, energy demands and nutritional requirements.
Sugary treats and carbs are quick sources of energy, satisfying this increased demand.
But while a high sugar diet during times of illness may help meet increased metabolic demands, it could also exacerbate the immune and inflammatory response, potentially impeding recovery.
In the longer term, high-sugar diets promote chronic inflammation, alter gut microbiota composition, and are associated with chronic disease. For a well-functioning immune system, aim for a balanced intake of fruits, vegetables, fibre, protein, and low-glycaemic carbohydrates.
The stress response
Being sick is stressful for the body. Acute mild or intense stress, like we'd see if we're sick, boosts the «flight or fight» hormones adrenaline and cortisol. This mobilises stored energy to meet increased demands, but it can also curb appetite.
Prolonged stress can disrupt energy balance, and cause nutritional deficiencies and alterations in gut and brain functions. This can reduce a person's threshold for craving sugar and salt, increasing their preferences towards energy-dense foods.
The stress hormone
