3 Foods Trigger Stress, Reduce Consumption From Now

JAKARTA - Stress that affects a person can occur due to various factors. Starting from pressure from work, relationships with those closest to you, and even food can also be one of the causes.

Quoted from Health, on Friday, October 17, 2025, there are several foods that if consumed excessively can increase stress, as follows.

1. Ultra-process food

Ultra-process foods are usually made from highly purified ingredients, such as sugar, starch, and fat. This purification process removes many important nutrients, such as fiber and adds other ingredients, one of which is artificial taste that is not good for health.

These foods can also increase cortisol levels (stress hormone) if consumed excessively. If done continuously, it can increase weight, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and all of them can have an impact on mental health.

2. High food sodium

Eating high sodium foods too often can also trigger stress. Salty foods that are often consumed can cause the balance of stress hormones in the body to be disrupted.

Usually the cortisol levels increase, the body will adjust by slowing down the activity of the stress hormone. However, if sodium intake is too high in the long term, the regulatory mechanism is disrupted and makes it more difficult for the body to calm down from stress.

3. Foods with artificial sweeteners

Foods with artificial sweeteners can have a negative impact on digestive health. This can ultimately weaken the immune system and affect the way the body deals with stress.

The digestive system and the nervous system are connected. When the balance of intestinal bacteria is disrupted, it can trigger inflammation. Long-lasting inflammation is associated with increasing the risk of mood, including depression.