Why does anxiety suppress appetite?
Understand the hormonal response to anxiety and nervousness. How 'fight or flight' impacts digestion and appetite suppression.
When faced with anxiety or nervousness, why do many of us find ourselves without an appetite?
This natural response can be attributed to the body's 'Fight or Flight' reaction to perceived threats.
Let's delve into the reasons and science behind this curious phenomenon.
Fight or Flight Response and Anxiety:
Much like the body's automatic response to real-life dangers, such as encountering a menacing stranger in a dark alley, anxiety triggers the same primal reactions.
The brain struggles to discern between a physical threat and a psychological one, leading to a cascade of physiological changes.
Redistribution of Blood Flow and Hormonal Response:
The 'Fight or Flight' response results in the redirection of blood away from the stomach and towards the extremities, preparing the body to either confront the danger or flee from it.
This shift in blood flow reduces activity in the abdominal region, consequently suppressing the appetite.
Additionally, the surge of adrenaline, a stress hormone, further contributes to the diminished urge to eat.
Evolutionary Advantage:
This adaptive response can be traced back to our ancestors, where in life-threatening situations, the body prioritized the allocation of resources towards actions crucial for survival, such as quick thinking, physical stamina, and acute sensory perception, at the expense of non-essential functions like digestion.
Impact of Nervousness on Digestive System:
Furthermore, anxiety and nervousness can induce physical symptoms such as stomach discomfort, butterflies in the stomach, or nausea, which can directly deter one from feeling hungry.
This complex interaction between the brain and the digestive system underscores the intricate connection between our emotional state and physical sensations.
An Interesting Thought
The next time you find your hunger dissipating in moments of anxiety, remember that your body allocates its resources efficiently for a perceived threat, whether actual or psychological.
The primal instincts at play shed light on the intricate and fascinating ways our bodies respond to stress and perceived danger.
