#A lot of Americans are eating comfort food daily to cope with stress

Three-quarters of Americans are eating more comfort food than ever before, according to new research.

The study asked 2,000 Americans about their eating habits during their time in self-isolation and how they have used food to connect with their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

And results found food has played a large role in helping respondents cope with isolation — as 37 percent of respondents turn to their favorite feel-good foods daily and another 38 percent said they’re chowing down on comfort food every other day while at home during the pandemic.

Six in 10 respondents shared their go-to pandemic comfort food was ice cream, closely followed by chocolates or candies.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Sensodyne, the survey also found 74 percent of respondents said cooking has been a successful coping mechanism for them as they deal with the stress of being home.

Forty-four percent of those surveyed said they have even learned a new recipe during quarantine and 32 percent have taken an online cooking class.

A quarter of respondents have also passed along their positivity and donated their cooking to those in need in their community.

The positive reactions associated with food hit home for the majority of respondents as six in 10 shared they have a certain food that brings them back to their childhood.

Another 72 percent of respondents agreed that food has always been their favorite way to connect with their loved ones.

These positive memories make it particularly difficult for 37 percent of respondents who’ve developed sensitivity issues in their lifetime.

The top sensitivity issues respondents reported included teeth sensitivity to cold temperatures and other discomforts.

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, tooth sensitivity is one of the most common complaints among dental patients and at least 40 million adults in the United States suffer at some time from sensitive teeth.