Some days nothing makes you feel better than a bowl of chocolate ice cream...or a bag of chips. Women complain about emotional eating, but often it seems we just can't help ourselves. There is a reason why our moods affect what we eat, and why some foods can change our moods.

The effect of stress

Stress affects each of us differently. Some women lose their appetite when they're upset; others eat more. Research suggests the way we react to stress is affected by the amount of the hormone cortisol in our body. When we're stressed, the adrenal glands make more cortisol, increasing appetite and the storage of body fat. Women who produce more cortisol will tend to eat more when they are under stress.

Many women eat more during the two weeks before their period, probably because of increased levels of the hormone progesterone. One theory is that progesterone affects the levels of serotonin and beta-endorphin, brain chemicals that are related to mood, appetite and energy levels.

Carbohydrates

Eating carbohydrates in sweet and starchy foods starts a chain reaction in the brain that boosts serotonin and can improve mood, but only for the short term. In fact, a variety of antidepressant medications used to treat mood disorders work exactly the same way. But be wary of overindulging on carbs; they can quickly pack on excess weight.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a mild stimulant that makes you more alert and quickens your reaction time, but can also cause sleeplessness or jitters. Caffeine can aggravate heart rhythm abnormalities and cause a temporary increase in blood pressure. Foods high in protein, like cottage cheese or nuts, release chemicals that increase alertness and improve energy and can be a better choice than another cup of coffee to stay alert.

Chocolate

Women crave chocolate more than twice as often as men. Researchers have identified several compounds in chocolate that are related to mood, but have not yet found the trigger for the craving. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a substance that is chemically related to amphetamines. It makes us feel more alert and provides a feeling of well-being. Its chemistry mimics the brain chemistry of a person in love, so when phenylethylamine levels are high, depression is often relieved. Chocolate also contains caffeine, but much less than is found in tea or coffee. Finally, chocolate contains magnesium, an essential mineral associated with appetite.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil and some plants, are known to provide cardiac benefits. Research has shown that omega-3 can also help reduce depression and mood swings.