The Link Between Comfort Foods and Mental Health

Comfort foods, often high in carbohydrates and sugar, are commonly turned to during times of stress or sadness due to their ability to trigger the brain's pleasure centers and release feel-good hormones like dopamine. These foods provide a short-term mood boost, but their long-term effects on physical and mental health are generally negative. While indulging in comfort foods occasionally is okay, a steady intake is associated with health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It's important to strike a balance and not shame oneself over food choices, but rather focus on course correcting and maintaining a generally healthy diet.