Dr. Olga Kushnareva points out that eating 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 it."
According to her, fast-acting carbohydrates cause sharp fluctuations in blood sugar levels. A brief energy spike is followed by a crash, accompanied by fatigue, irritability, or apathy. Regularly repeating these fluctuations reduces stress tolerance and impairs concentration.
The doctor points out that intense cravings for sweets are often linked to an attempt to cope with stress. This is because sugar stimulates dopamine production, which provides a temporary feeling of well-being. Over time, this can develop into a persistent behavioral pattern, where sweets become a way to regulate emotions.
According to her, it is important to distinguish between normal eating habits and emotional overeating. 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 may increase anxiety and cause physical symptoms such as weakness and irritability, which a person may interpret as psychological distress.
According to her, this problem is not isolated. Diet, stress levels, sleep, and overall health all play a major role. When these factors stabilize, cravings for sweets usually subside without the need for strict restrictions.
