Doctor reveals heartbreak can cause 'physical pain'

Doctor reveals the best way to ‘cure’ heartbreak – and says being dumped can cause ‘physical pain’

• Dr Chun Tang says heartbreak can cause not just emotional but ‘physical pain’ 
• The GP, 47, also claims the recently single should avoid eating pizza and cake  

Getting your heart broken can feel like the world is ending.

But it doesn’t just hurt emotionally, it can also cause ‘physical pain’, one doctor has claimed.

And he says the best way to cure heartbreak is not by scoffing your face with pizza and cake.

Instead, Dr Chun Tang recommends you avoid them altogether.

The 47-year-old GP, from Lytham, Lancashire, said that heartbreak can ‘manifest in many ways’.

A doctor says the best way to cure heartbreak is not by scoffing your face with pizza and cake

Heartbreak doesn’t just hurt emotionally, it can also cause ‘physical pain’, Dr Chun Tang has claimed

This includes headaches, loss of appetite, insomnia, lethargy, and muscle and joint aches.

The body produces the hormone adrenaline, as a direct response to grief, triggering the fight or flight response and suppressing appetite.

And stress and anxiety can result in symptoms such as headaches due to muscle tension and insomnia. 

READ MORE: Experts find another reason why drinking coffee is GOOD for you

Dr Tang, medical director at private healthcare provider Pall Mall Medical, suggests steering clear of comfort eating processed foods and refined carbs.

Opt for fresh fruit, vegetables and fish because they can ‘boost mood’, Dr Tang said.

Research has suggested that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can improve the function of the cerebral cortex – the part of the brain that processes feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.

And a study of 80,000 people by researchers at the University of Warwick found the more fruit and vegetables they ate, the happier they were. 

Dr Tang adds: ‘Avoid processed foods and refined carbohydrates — they’ll just make you feel sluggish and tired.’

Refined carbohydrates include white bread, pizza dough, pasta, pastries, white flour, white rice, sweet desserts, and many breakfast cereals.

He also suggests avoiding fatty, fried foods high in trans fats — a type of unsaturated fat, such as burgers, fries and Chinese takeaways.

Dr Chun Tang (pictured), medical director at private healthcare provider Pall Mall Medical, suggests steering clear of comfort eating processed foods and refined carbs

Mr Tang’s Dos and don’ts after heartbreak

Do: 

• Eat foods that are high in Omega 3 and Omega 6
• Get enough fruit and vegetables and fresh produce 
• Eat regularly or your blood sugars can drop leading you to be tired irritable 
• Increase your Vitamin B and D intake 

Don’t: 

• Bottle things up
• Over indulge in refined carbohydrates and fried fatty foods
• Eat processed foods 

The British Dietetic Association (BDA) says that not eating enough food that contains folic acid, such as leafy greens and legumes, and selenium, such as seafood and Brazil nuts, can help you feel fresher.

Although it also claims that carb-heavy foods might have a benefit. 

That is, however, only if someone accepts as them as comfort.  

Dr Tang also advised new singletons not to ‘bottle it in’ but to share how they feel with friends, family and even employers.

He added: ‘Take time for yourself and speak to your close friends and family about your situation.

‘It’s important to discuss these feelings – preferably with a healthcare expert.

‘Sometimes medication can get people through tougher times and help them see the light again.

‘Don’t bottle things up as this will only lead to further stress and prolong your symptoms.

‘If you are really struggling, speak to your employer about making some reasonable adjustments to your work to ensure that you aren’t under too much pressure.’

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