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For many people, reaching for something sweet is a familiar way to cope with stress. Whether it's a sweet dessert after a long day, a piece of chocolate, or a sugary drink, these treats can provide a temporary sense of comfort. However, new research suggests that even when sugar makes us feel better mentally, it may actually be keeping the body under stress.
When we consume sugar, the body may respond more strongly to stress by releasing higher levels of cortisol. Feeling better after eating something sweet doesn't necessarily mean the body has relaxed. Sugar affects the brain's reward pathways, creating a sense of pleasure and comfort, but other systems may respond differently. The brain may feel calmer even while the body is working harder.
The research included 94 healthy adults who were divided into four groups. Some received a glucose drink while others drank water. Half of each group received a massage, while the remaining participants rested. Afterward, everyone completed a task designed to measure sustained attention.
The amount of sugar used in the experiment was substantial. Each glucose drink delivered 75 grams of sugar, around 20 teaspoons. Researchers wanted to see how the body reacted, so they monitored participants' blood sugar, cardiovascular activity, and nervous system responses. These measurements were taken at different stages, allowing researchers to follow changes from the time participants drank the glucose until they were ready for the attention test.
The researchers found that taking time to rest or receiving a massage helped participants unwind. Their bodies showed the expected signs of relaxation. But sugar appeared to complicate that response. In participants who consumed glucose, part of the nervous system responsible for alertness remained more active, even when they were supposed to be relaxing.
Being aware of sugar's effects may change the way we respond to stress. Although something sweet might provide temporary comfort, it's important to consider what is happening inside the body as well. Finding ways to relax that support both the mind and body can make a difference in overall well-being.
To view the original scientific study click below:
The effect of glucose on cardiac reactivity to a standardized massage in healthy adults
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