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The Surprising Link Between Stress and Weight Gain: How Emotional Strain Can Tip the Scale!
Dr Livingood
Are you struggling to lose weight despite your best efforts?
Have you been dieting and exercising without seeing any results?
The answer to your weight loss struggles might lie in understanding how stress affects your body.
Let’s explore the physiology behind it and learn how to address this issue.
How Stress Affects Your Body
When we experience stress, our body undergoes various physiological changes.
One important player in this process is the adrenal gland, which sits just above the kidney.
In a threatening situation, like encountering a tiger or a rattlesnake (although that’s unlikely in today’s world), the adrenal gland produces two key substances: adrenaline and cortisol.
Adrenaline helps give your body the energy it needs to respond to the threat.
It increases your blood sugar levels, providing a quick source of energy.
However, in today’s fast-paced world, many of us are constantly triggering this stress response.
The second substance, cortisol, is responsible for replenishing energy in case you encounter another stressful situation.
The Role of Cortisol in Weight Gain
Cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone, has other effects on our body.
One of its roles is to make you crave sugar.
Your body is efficient and knows that the fastest way to replenish energy is by consuming sugar.
This is why many people struggling with weight gain also experience intense sugar cravings.
Excessive stress can lead to overstimulation of the adrenals. This can disrupt the balance of cortisol in your body and contribute to weight gain.
Studies have shown that experiencing a couple of stressful events each day can lead to 11 pounds of weight gain in women each year.
If you’re wondering why you’re not losing weight despite your efforts, stress may be the culprit.
Supporting Your Adrenals
To support your adrenal glands, it’s important to give them the nourishment they need.
Vitamin C is essential for adrenal health because the adrenals store 80 to 90 percent of the vitamin C in your body.
Incorporate foods rich in vitamin C into your diet, such as acerola cherries, strawberries, and broccoli.
You can also consider adding a vitamin C supplement to your routine.
Addressing the Root Cause: Stress
Taking steps to manage and reduce stress can have a significant impact on your weight loss journey.
Here are some strategies to consider:
Move Your Body
Regular exercise is crucial for burning off stress.
Incorporate movement into your day whenever possible. Take a walk during phone calls or stressful meetings.
Start your day with a 10-minute workout or exercise session to burn off excess adrenaline and cortisol.
Make Healthier Food Choices
When you’re experiencing cravings due to elevated cortisol levels, opt for healthier alternatives.
Instead of reaching for chips, pretzels, or pizza, choose options like salted nuts, a smoothie, or a collagen-rich coffee.
These choices will satisfy your hunger without causing unnecessary weight gain.
Plan Your Nutritional Intake
Mindful nutrition is vital when dealing with stress.
Plan your meals and snacks in advance to avoid defaulting to unhealthy options.
Consider keeping a food journal to track your choices and identify patterns that may be sabotaging your weight loss efforts.
You can also incorporate supplements like Omegas + Turmeric and Greens + Superfoods to support overall health.
Stay Hydrated
Hydrating yourself, especially during stressful situations, is beneficial for your adrenals.
Adding lemon or apple cider vinegar to your water can help support healthy insulin levels, maintain normal blood sugar, and replenish vitamin C.
Consider also adding Electrolytes + Energyze for an extra boost in hydration.
Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques
Breathing exercises can be incredibly powerful at reducing stress.
Try taking five-second deep breaths in and out for one minute multiple times a day.
This simple technique mimics the calming effect of smoking a cigarette and reduces cortisol and adrenaline levels.
Summary
Now that we’ve unraveled the intricate ties between stress and weight gain, I encourage you to take the reins of your health.
Your journey to a healthier weight starts with understanding stress and giving your body the nourishment it deserves.
By actively managing stress and implementing the strategies I’ve shared, you can truly make strides in your weight loss journey.
I’ve seen firsthand how herbal adaptogens and natural supplements, like our hawthron, beetroot and magnesium, can make a world of difference.
If you want to dive deeper into the world of stress, weight gain, and holistic health, I’ve written down all of my insights and experiences in my book.
It’s crafted for wonderful folks like you who are eager to understand their body better and achieve optimal health.
Trust me, you have the power to make transformative changes and achieve your weight loss aspirations.
For more enlightening resources, insights, and a treasure trove of wellness tips, explore my website.
Let’s walk this journey towards a healthier and happier life together.
If you ever need a community that understands and supports your health goals, we’re right here waiting for you.
Join us and let’s make health a way of life!
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