In the Cloud of Stress- Revisiting the Complex Cycle of Junk Food Consumption, Micronutrient Imbalance and Cognitive Perturbation
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background: The escalating prevalence of chronic stress in modern lifestyle dismantles the body's adaptive capacity leading to a spectrum of significant cognitive anomalies.This compromised cognitive state diminishes individuals' ability to make rational and health-promoting dietary choices, creating a predisposition for the consumption of junk food, which, in turn, exacerbates cognitive deficits and perpetuates a self-reinforcing loop of maladaptive dietary patterns and cognitive deterioration.Objective: The present study, based on existing literature, explores the complex interplay encompassing stress-induced cognitive disruption, suboptimal dietary patterns, and micronutrient deficiencies.Methods: The present work undertook extensive literature review to synthesize the findings of literature retrieved from searches of computerized databases, hand searches and authoritative texts.Results: The study revealed confounding yet simultaneously occurring dual feedback loops which brings on surface the issues how appeal of unhealthy food is reinforced and taste-driven stress alleviation strengthens inclination toward such dietary choices.The neural circuitries in the whole affair unquestionably involve the mostly studied CNS areas, which collectively mediate their responses through dopamine in shaping reward-based motivation, emotional associations, and decision-making. Conclusion:Although information in the current context is available in pieces, a comprehensive and consolidated presentation is lacking.The present review is engrossed to cater the deeper psycho-physiological crosstalk intelligibly satisfying an overall objective of reaching the common readers and to generate public awareness.
Authors: Aindrila Das, Swarnabha Chowdhury, Samir K Ghosh
Institutions: Syamaprasad College, National Brain Research Centre
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4407383176