Got Stress? If you’re alive, you’ve got stress!
Posted on May 31, 2012
The human body is designed to withstand the effects of occasional bouts of stress; but prolonged, continuous stress can take its toll. Some of the physical effects of prolonged stress include headaches, insomnia, hair loss, over-eating, high blood pressure, chest pain, and gastrointestinal problems such as heartburn, acid reflux, and upset stomach.
Chronic stress can also increase levels of the “stress” hormone, cortisol. Cortisol is important in helping the body deal with stress by regulating blood pressure, however, excessive stress can lead to high levels of cortisol. This is a primary cause of waist belly fat. Does where you carry your excess weight make a difference? Absolutely—and belly fat or visceral fat is one of the most dangerous. It pumps out chemicals that not only crush your internal organs but also keep you fat.
What can you do to lower cortisol levels if you’re under a lot of stress? Here are some suggestions:
- Exercise (at least 30 minutes a day)
- Take a bike ride or a walk with your kids
- Try some deep breathing exercises (check out past blogs for tips)
- Do an activity that you find relaxing—garden, read, listen to music, take a bath, get a massage—whatever works for you
- Take Vitamin C or Vitamin B5, which have been shown to lower cortisol levels
- Try to avoid processed sugars and flour. You might even consider a gluten-free diet and switch to grains such as quinoa, millet, amaranth or buckwheat.
- Include quality proteins such as chicken, fish, nuts and beans in your diet
Check out these links for some more interesting information.
http://www.stress-management-for-health.com/physical-effects-of-stress.html
http://www.realage.com/diet-weight-loss/bad-body-fat-omentum-definition-causes-prevention