Why is it hard for people to eat when they are super sad?

Answer 1

The Stress Circuit:
The HPA axis is a feedback loop by which signals from the brain trigger the release of hormones needed to respond to stress. Because of its function, the HPA axis is also sometimes called the “stress circuit.”

Briefly, in response to a stress, the brain region known as the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). In turn, CRH acts on the pituitary gland, just beneath the brain, triggering the release of another hormone, adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) into the bloodstream. Next, ACTH signals the adrenal glands, which sit atop the kidneys, to release a number of hormonal compounds.

These compounds include epinephrine (formerly known as adrenaline), Norepinephrine (formerly known as noradrenaline) and cortisol. All three hormones enable the body to respond to a threat. Epinephrine increases blood pressure and heart rate, diverts blood to the muscles, and speeds reaction time. Cortisol, also known as glucocorticoid, releases sugar (in the form of glucose) from the body reserves so that this essential fuel can be used to power the muscles and the brain.

Normally, cortisol also exerts a feedback effect to shut down the stress response after the threat has passed, acting upon the hypothalamus and causing it to stop producing CRH.

This stress circuit affects systems throughout the body. The hormones of the HPA axis exert their effect on the autonomic nervous system, which controls such vital functions as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.

The HPA axis also communicates with several regions of the brain, including the limbic system, which controls motivation and mood, with the amygdala, which generates fear in response to danger, and with the hippocampus, which plays an important part in memory formation as well as in mood and motivation. In addition, the HPA axis is also connected with brain regions that control body temperature, suppress appetite, and control pain.

http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/sep2002/nichd-09.htm

http://www.cushings-help.com/stress-nih.htm

http://www.rbhn.org/commed.htm

http://www.theharmonygroup.org/issues/bereavement.html

http://www.encephalitis.info/children/Bereaved.html

Answer 2

The hormonal and enzyme balance is affected thus making it difficult to eat. Food is not digested properly when we are very sad or very angry, so in a way it is a good defence mechanism of the body.

Answer 3

That statement is not completely true. Sadness/Depression effects everyone differently and it effects many aspects of life. Some people don't eat when they're depressed, however some go on binges and eat excessively.

Answer 4

partly , they aren't hungry. And partly, eating when you are that sad seems useless, and it sort of hurts - like the food doesn't digest properly.