Emotions can be both a funny and tricky thing to handle. Abstract as they are, they can command full control over any one of us, capable of either inspiring us to embark on creative endeavors should they be channeled wisely, or driving us to ruin if handled improperly. In a lifetime, it is expected that you would be flooded by almost every kind of emotion there is as you go about living your life from one stage to another.

Although emotions are inherent in all of us, there are those among us who are not very comfortable in acknowledging their presence, moreover, displaying them in full view of other people. Negative emotions, especially, are the ones most difficult to contend with. Like a deluge, you may suddenly find yourself suddenly and helplessly trapped in their midst. Whether it is sadness, anger, frustration, or just plain uneasiness, the manner whereby such emotions affect you can be overwhelming at times that you are lost and unable to comprehend the circumstances surrounding you...And the next thing you know, you are waiting in a queue at the first fast food restaurant you set your sights on, hardly able to contain your craving for a large hamburger complete with all the fixings and trimmings imaginable.

Does this seem very much like you? If it is, then you are among the large populace afflicted by the worldwide phenomenon known as emotional eating.

What is emotional eating?

Even if emotional eating is not a diagnosable condition, it is the most common recourse for people who have reached a dead end when confronted by adverse emotions. Figuratively mentioned, reaching an emotional dead end is when you find yourself helpless against the assault of a particular negative emotion. And whenever you are confronted by these situations, the first thing you turn to for help in easing your discomfort is food.

The term emotional eating does not imply that people are only able to confront their situation or sort out their feelings as they gorge on any particular craving. Actually, it hardly happens that an emotional eater is aware of how he is feeling at the moment as he sinks his teeth into a succulent hamburger or any delectable food he prefers. That urge to indulge stems from the presence of an unacknowledged negative feeling that the person is unable to deal with. Despite their being there, the emotional eater has difficulty controlling them and food provides him the best distraction to keep his mind away from his current situation.

Common uncomfortable emotions that drive a person to eat emotionally are anger, frustration, sadness, loneliness, helplessness, worthlessness, and guilt. Scientifically, common food cravings can ease negative emotions, explaining the alleviated feeling that sweeps over you after you have had your fill. In general, food consequentially changes the body's chemical balance; some particular foods were identified to raise the level of endorphins, a chemical in the body responsible for providing us with positive feelings of satiety and happiness.

How does emotional eating affect you?

At first glance, eating is nowhere near as harmful as turning to drugs or booze as a means of contending with your emotional discomfort. However, eating too much fat or sugar-laden food can have negative consequences on your physical health. If turning to food has become your habit, expect the pounds to accumulate and in turn, the inches on your waist to add up. Moreover, emotional eating paves the way for acquiring recognized eating disorders such as binge eating, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa.