Reviewed by최연승대표원장
I keep eating whenever I'm stressed. Why do I keep binge eating?
When stress levels rise, the body releases the hormone 'cortisol,' which stimulates appetite and triggers cravings for sweets. From a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, this is viewed as 'Liver Qi Stagnation' (Gangi-ulgyeol). When energy flow is blocked, the brain perceives a 'false hunger,' leading to binge eating as a way to relieve psychological frustration.
Many people experience a cycle of eating even after a full meal, often leading to guilt and self-criticism. Medically, stress impairs the functions of the prefrontal cortex, weakening your ability to control impulses. Simultaneously, cortisol can create a perceived drop in blood sugar, making you obsess over sugary and fatty foods.
In TKM, this condition is called 'Liver Qi Stagnation' (肝氣鬱結). The 'Liver' in TKM is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) throughout the body. When this flow is obstructed due to emotional stress, it creates a sense of restlessness and oppression. The brain often misinterprets this psychological void as a physical signal of hunger.
If binge eating continues, it puts an excessive load on the digestive system, leading to a state of 'Spleen Deficiency' (脾虛). A weakened Spleen reduces metabolic efficiency, causing unprocessed waste to accumulate as 'Phlegm-Fluid' (痰飮), which can eventually shift your constitution toward one that gains weight more easily.
This is not a lack of willpower. By resolving the stagnant Qi and restoring the function of the digestive organs, you can naturally reduce these false hunger signals. Rather than blaming yourself, it is more effective to identify where your energy is blocked and treat the root cause.