According to psychologist Dr. Neerja Aggarwal, our inclination towards comfort foods arises from a fundamental human need for solace during difficult times.
Aiman Khan, a 27-year-old software engineer, finds solace and comfort in indulging in her favorite show, Friends, while enjoying a big tub of ice cream after a challenging day, especially at work. This ritual became her way of seeking comfort and solace, particularly during her time at a high-pressure consulting firm.
Khan’s experience is relatable to many, as research from the American Psychological Association shows that 27 percent of adults turn to food as a means of coping with stress. Furthermore, among those who report overeating or consuming unhealthy foods due to anxiety, 34 percent consider it to be a chronic response.
Comfort food is a commonly used term to describe the types of food that individuals seek for emotional solace. The Oxford English Dictionary defines comfort food as any type of food, often rich in sugar or carbohydrates, that is linked to childhood memories or homemade cooking.
Dr. Neerja Aggarwal, a psychologist at Emoneeds, explains that the inclination to choose comfort foods is rooted in a natural human instinct to seek relief and comfort during difficult or challenging times.
“When consumed, these foods trigger a release of neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to a temporary uplift in mood and a feeling of emotional stability,” she explained.
According to Laharika Arasu, a counselling psychologist at Lissun, foods that are high in carbohydrates and fats are commonly regarded as comfort foods by many individuals.
A recent study published in the medical journal Neuron found that chronic stress can lead to a craving for high-calorie comfort foods. The study revealed that stress can override the brain’s natural response that reduces the pleasure derived from eating, leading to continuous rewards for eating, as stated by Herbert Herzog, the senior author of the study and a visiting scientist at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.
Indeed, for some individuals, comfort foods are associated with fond memories and nostalgia, rather than just being a response to stress. Mansi Sharma, a self-employed 25-year-old, shared that her comfort food, dal chawal (lentils and rice), reminds her of the meals she enjoyed as a child at her grandmother’s house.
According to psychologist Kamna Chibber, the brain forms a strong association with the consumption of comfort food, which can represent specific emotional and psychological experiences that individuals seek during times of distress or significant challenges. This association creates a sense of solace and emotional support when consuming these foods.
Contrary to the perception that having multiple comfort foods is unusual, psychologist Kamna Chibber explains that the nature of comfort food can vary from person to person. As individual experiences differ, so do the types of foods that provide comfort and solace to individuals during challenging times.
Bhavya Agarwal, a 25-year-old designer, finds comfort in having rajma chawal when she is having dinner alone at home, while ramen is her go-to comfort food when she feels angry or upset. Similarly, Mansi Sharma indulges in her favorite comfort food, dal chawal, after a bad day because she believes she deserves it. These personal preferences for specific foods reflect individual associations and emotional connections that provide comfort and solace during challenging moments.
Chibber further emphasized that the comfort derived from food is not solely based on its taste or nutritional value, but rather on the symbolic and emotional associations it holds. The food becomes a representation of deeper emotional and psychological aspects, operating at an unconscious level, that individuals seek to utilize for comfort in various situations. It is the underlying meaning and connection attached to the food that provides the desired sense of comfort and well-being.
Arasu explained that the rewarding and calming effect experienced after consuming comfort foods can be attributed to the activation of the brain’s addiction-related regions. Research has shown that these foods can stimulate the brain’s reward system, leading to a temporary sense of pleasure and relief. This neurological response may contribute to the reinforcing nature of comfort foods and their ability to provide emotional comfort and satisfaction.
According to Arasu, the reason we keep reaching for comfort foods is that they provide a pleasurable and satisfying experience due to their energy and calorie-dense nature. When we eat these foods, our brain associates them with feeling good and wants to replicate that feeling. This is different from emotional eating, where we turn to comfort foods to alleviate burdens or stress. The association between the food and the positive feelings leads us to continue seeking comfort in those foods, regardless of whether the underlying issue has been resolved or not.
Jyotima, the chief dietician at Regency Hospital, explained that the association between comfort foods and positive emotions is influenced by the mind-gut connection. The brain has a direct impact on the stomach and intestines, and even the mere thought of eating can trigger the release of stomach juices. This connection works both ways, as a distressed intestine can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can affect the gut. This interplay between the mind and gut further reinforces the link between comfort foods and the feelings of comfort and well-being we experience when consuming them.
While comfort foods may initially provide a sense of solace, it’s important to note that relying on them as a coping mechanism can have negative consequences.
Arasu highlighted that studies have indicated that constantly turning to comfort foods when feeling upset can actually contribute to negative moods in the long run. This suggests that the temporary comfort derived from these foods may not be a sustainable or healthy solution for managing emotional well-being.
Arasu emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying issues that lead to emotional eating, rather than relying solely on comfort foods. She warned that excessive emotional eating could potentially lead to a binge-eating disorder in extreme cases. While occasional indulgence is not a cause for concern, it is crucial to reflect on one’s emotions and seek professional help if needed. Agarwal echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of accessing appropriate resources and support to find long-term solutions and overcome emotional barriers.
