Dr. Olga Kushnareva states that eating sweets is not a direct cause of depression, but it can exacerbate anxiety through physiological and behavioral mechanisms. She says: 'Studies confirm a link between excessive sugar consumption and anxiety or depression, but it is an indirect link.' When these factors stabilize, the intense craving for sweets usually diminishes without the need for strict restrictions. Regular repetition of such 'relapses' reduces the ability to cope with stress and weakens concentration. The physician points out that the strong desire to eat sweets is often an attempt to cope with stress. Over time, it develops into a continuous behavioral pattern where sweets become a means of regulating 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 emphasizes that a sharp drop in blood sugar levels can increase anxiety and cause physical symptoms such as weakness and irritability, which a person may perceive as psychological distress. According to her, this problem is not isolated. Diet, stress levels, sleep, and overall health play a major role. Often, lifestyle, stress levels, and pre-existing psychological difficulties are behind it. The expert notes that fast carbohydrates cause sharp fluctuations in blood sugar levels. This is followed by a brief energy boost, which is then accompanied by fatigue, irritability, or apathy. This is because sugar stimulates dopamine production, giving a temporary feeling of relief.
