We are designed for short bursts of stress, followed by periods of rest. Stress is actually good for us, how ever long term chronic stress causes physiological changes with-in our bodies that can lead to weight gain, and make weight-loss more difficult.

Common events that occur daily increase our stress; traffic, phone calls, running late, worrying, too much caffeine, long work hours, no regular breaks, sickness, and relationship or family problems. We can’t get rid of stress but we can make lifestyle changes, to better cope with the effects of stress.

The Effects of Stress

• Increase in sympathetic nervous system hormones, adrenaline noradrenalin, and other related hormones.
• Muscles contract, blood pressure rises, digestion stops.
• Poor digestion results in poor absorption of vital nutrients, as well as irritable bowel and gastritis.
• The release of cortisol shuts down the immune system and slows the bodies healing.
• The liver releases energy in the form of glycogen, raising blood sugar.
• Chronically increased blood sugar promotes Type 2 Diabetes.
• Cortisol fosters fat deposits, particularly through the abdomen.
• Stress can cause us to over eat pasta, bread, and high starch foods; this stimulates serotonin, the feel good relaxing hormone.

If you are struggling to lose fat, even though you are exercising and eating right, the stress/cortisol connection may be the reason.

8 Top Tips for Stress

• Take a good gender specific multi vitamin and mineral – you will be deficient.
• Cut down on high sugar foods, alcohol and coffee.
• Be sure to stay hydrated, 2Lt water daily.
• Stay away from stimulant fatloss formulas.
• Exercise daily, even 20mins will make a difference.
• See a nutritionist and find out how much you should be eating; you may be under eating, which will make you fatter.
• Talk to your nutritionist about Rhodiola supplementation, it has been used for years as a natural anti stress remedy, and it helps you lose weight.
• Look after your body, the more stress you experience – the more important your nutrition is!!

Read more about adrenal fatigue or contact us.