Other foods, such as those with salt and caffeine, and eating habits like skipping meals, can lead to a negative mood. Barko writes that the foods we choose affect the nerve chemicals in our brains, that regulate mood and behavior. Neurotransmitters in the brain are fueled by certain nutrients in food. So therefore, when certain neurotransmitters are low, they can affect mood. The European Food and Information Council says the relationship between food and emotion starts at a young age.
Parents often use food to reward children for good behavior.
Such actions can lead to a child learning that good behavior eventually leads to a chocolate bar. Cancer Research of America writes that parents mixing food and emotion can be a risky thing. Food should not be used as a reward or punishment, because this leads to food confirming love. When the child gets sweets they feel as if they have earned their parents love. Compulsive eating In more extreme cases, using food to find comfort from pain can lead to compulsive eating.