Serotonin, Comfort Foods and Trauma

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

We all have foods that we associate with comfort or with fond memories from our past or childhood. Food has a way of appealing to all of our senses and offering a pleasurable experience while providing nourishment to our bodies.

Food Connected To Pleasure

Certain foods can actually produce neurotransmitters in our brain that connected to pleasure and elevated mood. It is no wonder that we may experience cravings for “comfort foods”, as strong physiological forces within our bodies drive a need to stabilize brain function.

There are particular foods that significantly increase the hormones in our brains that help us “feel good” and that are responsible for elevating mood. Most commonly, these are complex carbohydrates and sugars, which can be found in a variety of foods, including breads, pastas, desserts (such as cakes, cookies, ice cream, etc), and more.

Some individuals may find themselves craving these types of foods or frequently indulging as a form of self-soothing. Cravings may also be intensified during periods of high stress, in which the body is coping with more rigorous demands.

Food A Source Of Comfort

For the person who has experienced trauma, food may become a form of comfort for these very reasons. When an individual has endured any form of abuse or violation of physicality, emotionality, or spirituality, food may become a form of not only finding control in chaos, but a way of finding comfort.

When a person has a biological susceptibility to developing an eating disorder, trauma can become an environmental trigger that ignites the progression of these complex mental illnesses.

While food can be comforting in appropriation, it cannot heal any underlying pain or trauma. This can only occur through healing, that may happen with professional treatment, psychotherapy, counseling, and a strong support system.

Eating Healthy

Eating balanced meals and properly nourishing your body is an essential part of physical restoration and can be a helpful part of a comprehensive treatment plan for recovering from trauma. If you have suffered with some form of trauma, know that there are resources that can help guide you through recovery and healing.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What role has food played in your recovery and healing from trauma? How have you maintained a healthy relationship with food and your body through the treatment process for trauma recovery?

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on May 8th, 2015
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com