Why is life so stressful? Too busy with work, and running home to make dinner so you can get your kids to soccer practice on time, to think about it? Cortisol is the body's long-term stress hormone.
Although stress isn't the only reason why cortisol enters the bloodstream, it's been referred to as the stress hormone because it's secreted in higher levels during the body's "fight or flight" response to stress.
In small increases it can have positive effects, like a quick burst of energy for survival reasons, it also heightens memory function and lowers sensitivity to pain.
There is no question that it is important and helpful to the body's response to stress; however, it's also important that the body's relaxation response be activated so all functions can return to normal following a stressful event.
Unfortunately, in our fast paced society, our response to stress is activated so frequently that we don't always have a chance to return to normal.
High levels of cortisol will triple the release of insulin, our fat storing hormone, in the blood.
Under stress, your body will store more fat from food, one meal will be like eating three.
Even energy converted from vegetables will be stored as fat.
It can make any attempt to lose weight a real uphill battle.
Increased levels of cortisol are also responsible for blocking the signals from our fat cells to our brains to stop eating, when we should be full.
This is why so many of us struggle with after dinner cravings.
Stress will also cause you to crave more fatty, sugary, and salty foods.
There are steps we can take to correct the problem.
Eat more vegetables and protein, these dietary changes will keep insulin down in the blood.
Exercise, after you get into a routine cortisol levels will drop, and working out will also help manage the stress.
Learn to eat slower and sit at the table.
Make sure the television is off, so there aren't any distractions.
Focus on your meal so that you will remember what you've eaten, this will help you to feel full and you'll be less likely to snack later on.
Relaxation exercises, yoga and meditation have all been very helpful in regulating cortisol levels.
If unable to bring your stress under control yourself, talk to your doctor.
Chronic stress, if left unchecked can lead to heart attacks, strokes, thyroid issues and high cholesterol.
And, visit a health food store for advice on the best natural products to regulate cortisol and manage stress.
Although stress isn't the only reason why cortisol enters the bloodstream, it's been referred to as the stress hormone because it's secreted in higher levels during the body's "fight or flight" response to stress.
In small increases it can have positive effects, like a quick burst of energy for survival reasons, it also heightens memory function and lowers sensitivity to pain.
There is no question that it is important and helpful to the body's response to stress; however, it's also important that the body's relaxation response be activated so all functions can return to normal following a stressful event.
Unfortunately, in our fast paced society, our response to stress is activated so frequently that we don't always have a chance to return to normal.
High levels of cortisol will triple the release of insulin, our fat storing hormone, in the blood.
Under stress, your body will store more fat from food, one meal will be like eating three.
Even energy converted from vegetables will be stored as fat.
It can make any attempt to lose weight a real uphill battle.
Increased levels of cortisol are also responsible for blocking the signals from our fat cells to our brains to stop eating, when we should be full.
This is why so many of us struggle with after dinner cravings.
Stress will also cause you to crave more fatty, sugary, and salty foods.
There are steps we can take to correct the problem.
Eat more vegetables and protein, these dietary changes will keep insulin down in the blood.
Exercise, after you get into a routine cortisol levels will drop, and working out will also help manage the stress.
Learn to eat slower and sit at the table.
Make sure the television is off, so there aren't any distractions.
Focus on your meal so that you will remember what you've eaten, this will help you to feel full and you'll be less likely to snack later on.
Relaxation exercises, yoga and meditation have all been very helpful in regulating cortisol levels.
If unable to bring your stress under control yourself, talk to your doctor.
Chronic stress, if left unchecked can lead to heart attacks, strokes, thyroid issues and high cholesterol.
And, visit a health food store for advice on the best natural products to regulate cortisol and manage stress.