Why sugar makes you more stressed-out than protein or fat
Glucose but not protein or fat load amplifies the cortisol response to psychosocial stress.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Glucose uniquely amplified cortisol response — but protein and fat did not, despite being energy sources.
It’s commonly assumed that any energy intake (calories) would blunt stress — but here, only glucose had a strong effect, suggesting glucose has a special biological role beyond just fuel.
Practical Takeaways
Avoid sugary drinks or snacks right before high-stress events like presentations, exams, or interviews.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Glucose uniquely amplified cortisol response — but protein and fat did not, despite being energy sources.
It’s commonly assumed that any energy intake (calories) would blunt stress — but here, only glucose had a strong effect, suggesting glucose has a special biological role beyond just fuel.
Practical Takeaways
Avoid sugary drinks or snacks right before high-stress events like presentations, exams, or interviews.
Publication
Journal
Hormones and behavior
Year
2002
Authors
E. González-Bono, N. Rohleder, D. Hellhammer, A. Salvador, C. Kirschbaum
Related Content
Claims (6)
If a young man drinks sugar water before a stressful situation, his body releases more of the stress hormone cortisol than if he drinks protein, fat, or just water.
When healthy young men get stressed, the more their stress hormone (cortisol) spikes, the more their blood sugar tends to go up too.
When healthy young men get stressed out, the more their stress hormone (cortisol) spikes, the more their blood sugar tends to go up too.
If you eat protein, fat, or just drink water before a stressful situation, your body’s stress hormone (cortisol) reacts about the same no matter what you ate or drank.
If you're a healthy young man and you eat protein, fat, or drink water before a stressful situation, your stress hormone (cortisol) doesn't go up much more than if you'd eaten sugar instead.