When I'm stressed, I keep binge eating. How can I improve this?
Stress-induced binge eating can be divided into two main patterns. One is due to liver qi stagnation, where anxiety and irritability lead to binge eating; the other is due to spleen deficiency, where fatigue triggers cravings for sweets. For the former, approaches that soothe the liver are needed; for the latter, strengthening the spleen is key. Identifying your specific pattern through consultation is the most effective way.
In Traditional Korean Medicine, stress-related binge eating is viewed through the two axes of liver depression (Gan ul, 肝鬱) and spleen deficiency (Bi heo, 脾虛). In the liver depression pattern, accumulated stress obstructs the liver's qi, causing irritability and a drive to soothe oneself with food—often greasy, spicy dishes or chocolate. This leads to further stagnation and epigastric discomfort. In the spleen deficiency pattern, weak digestive function and low energy trigger cravings for sweets and carbohydrates, especially late at night, resulting in heaviness and bloating the next day. Personally, I used to order fried chicken late at night when stressed, only to learn my liver was hypersensitive. Treatments differ markedly: for liver depression, herbs like Bupleurum (siho, 柴胡) and Cyperus (hyangbuja, 香附子) are used to move the qi; for spleen deficiency, herbs like Atractylodes (baekchul, 白朮) and Ginseng (insam, 人蔘) strengthen the spleen. While stress itself cannot be eliminated, changing how the body responds can greatly reduce binge urges. A proper diagnosis to determine your pattern is recommended.
Clinician review