The two of us could live farther apart but not by much. Taking the average of various map programs, our homes are 2,125 miles apart. Just a little out of the “drop in for tea or coffee” range. But even so, many of our conversations sound like the kind you would have over tea or coffee. It is not uncommon for pictures of meals to accompany, and sometimes even substitute for those conversations by way of text messaging. The times we have been in the same space, food was a highly anticipated and much appreciated diversion. Food is a clear de-stressor for us.
Pop-culture would have you believe food is the cause of all stress. Caffeine increases anxiety. Alcohol increases anxiety. Processed foods increase anxiety. Trans-fats and deep-fried foods increase anxiety. Sugar increases anxiety. Dairy and butter increase anxiety. White bread increases anxiety. Wait a minute! Our stress levels are climbing just writing this list. Does anything not cause anxiety? Actually, any of them taking in moderation will not trigger an anxiety attack, and yes, indeed, there are specific foods that do lessen anxiety and its attendant stress. Although we think the ultimate food associated de-stressor is the company one keeps while eating anything on one’s list of favorite foods.
Unfortunately, not everyone eats in comfortable gatherings which further comfort those gathered, and solo stress eating is common in many people. Anyone who has been through the tribulation of packing on the ‘freshman fifteen’ knows of the solace found in more than one pizza. There’s a reason for that. Carbohydrates increase serotonin which calms the brain. Complex carbohydrates like oats, quinoa, and whole wheat breads result in a significant release of serotonin although all carbohydrates except the simplest, like refined sugar, lead to some serotonin release. Proteins contained in meats and cheeses that often top that pizza increase blood sugar and energy, allowing the brain to work more efficiently. We’d be foolish to recommend a pizza a day to combat stress but there may be more to eating than we realize that can help reduce stress than just the comfort of indulging in comfort foods. Wouldn’t be a wonderful thing if we could lessen or even eliminate stress without packing on the pounds.
Indeed, there is a way to reduce stress, and at the same time, increase neural activity in the brain. Chewing gum. Actually, chewing anything, or even nothing. A 2022 systemic review of eight studies involving 400 adults determined chewing gum is an inexpensive, well-tolerated, safe, and effective way to relieve anxiety and stress, likely due to an increase of oxygen through the brain. An earlier study published in 2019 grouped 100 final year nursing students into three groups: one group chewed sugarless gum for at least 30 minutes a day for 19 days, a second group chewed gum for seven days only, and a control group did not chew gum at all. Levels of depression, anxiety and stress were significantly lower in both chewing gum groups, and test scores were higher in 19-day gum chewers group.
It seems a stick of prevention (or a stick of gum) is worth 15 pounds of pizza. But what about people like the two of us. We have our stressful moments, yet we also find them lowered when we share photos of a particularly inviting looking brunch entrée or details of the planned menu for an evening’s dinner. Neither of us is the type to carry around packets of Mr. Wrigley’s finest. Is it possible that just the thought of chewing a tasty morsel is enough to de-stress? Yes. Looking at a pleasant picture or reading something that makes us smile, or doing or seeing anything that causes one to smile, releases the same feel-good chemical, serotonin, as does indulging in a high carbohydrate meal. That is also why dining in pleasant company multiplies the stress reduction afforded by the meal itself.
We think with all the good things that come from eating even when a person is stressed, that response is mis-labeled as stress eating. It is in fact, de-stress eating. So eat, chew gum, and be merry, for tomorrow your stress may stay away!
I love how you two think. I fully understand the idea of stress eating--it's mindless and a default for me when I'm usually alone. But I don't want to demonize any food--I want to enjoy it in the proportions that are actually good for me. I appreciate the thought of chewing, laughing, smiling, anything that brings a giggle to your mind and heart, including a wonderful picture or the memory of time with a special friend. Stress is one of those unwelcome guests that never announce their arrival--it just shows up as the pizza goes in my mouth. I'll opt for pleasant company any day. Your friendship is a great reminder of the value of deep valued relationships.