Yes! Stress Makes You Fat
People talk about stress all the time, and sure, we all know what it feels like! But how does our body actually handle stress, and what in the world does that have to do with getting fat?
The next few blog postings are going to be on two perpetually hot topics: stress and fat. Today we're going to discuss an often misunderstood aspect of weight gain and loss, the adrenal system. Ok, before you think you need another cup of coffee to have this cerebral discussion, let me assure you, it's easy to understand this topic, and this knowledge can give you a whole lot of power in your weight loss journey.
The adrenal gland is made up of two parts, both of which produce different sets of hormones. The adrenal cortex produces corticosteroids that regulate the balance of salt and water in the body. This means bloating and water weight gain are regulated by this gland. It also influences metabolism. Does this little gland have your attention now? The second aspect of this gland is the inner part, called chatecolamines, which produce that increased burst of energy when you experience high stress or danger.
When we experience stress, our body senses that it might need energy later, so it holds onto the calories and the water. This is great if you are in a famine, or truly in physical danger, but if you experience long-term low grade stress (or more) every day from the busyness and business of life, you are probably in trouble. Over time, your body will accumulate what I like to call "stress fat". This is something your body is purely holding onto for emergency purposes, but the famine or flood never comes.
Over time we continue to build up the water weight and body fat. Our next blog, we will discuss the specific steps you can take to shed those unwanted "stress fat" pounds!
Libby Wright, mother of four who homeschools, is an original founder of SupplementRelief.com in 2010. She suffered through challenging diseases including Interstitial Cystitis, Graves and Lyme. After years of little progress with traditional medicine, she pursued integrative medicine, applied what she learned, and got healthier. She became passionate about wanting others to experience the same "relief" she had come to know, and SupplementRelief.com was born. She is now managing her illness with a lot of prayer, a lot of nutrition/supplements, and a little prescription medicine. She has been able to resume her normal life and, while there is no cure for her particular conditions, she is able to cope, enjoy every day, and encourage others.
Learn more about Libby Wright.
Related Content
We encourage you to take advantage of these FREE Wellness Resources on our website.
Webinar: Eight and One Half Steps to Relieve Stress
Facilitator Libby Wright discusses the physiological effects of stress and how we perceive situations with participants of the Your Best Weight program. She provides practical tips for managing stress that everyone can do. The webinar last for 17 minutes and addresses questions submitted by the program participants.
Yes! Stress Makes You Fat Part 2
How can you support your adrenal glands more? Adrenals are what help your body respond to stress, and when not properly cared for, weight gain can result!
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Blog Post
This is the 1st post of a 2-part blog series called Yes! Stress Makes You Fat.
The next few blog postings are going to be on two perpetually hot topics: stress and fat. Today we're going to discuss an often misunderstood aspect of weight gain and loss, the adrenal system. Ok, before you think you need another cup of coffee to have this cerebral discussion, let me assure you, it's easy to understand this topic, and this knowledge can give you a whole lot of power in your weight loss journey.
The adrenal gland is made up of two parts, both of which produce different sets of hormones. The adrenal cortex produces corticosteroids that regulate the balance of salt and water in the body. This means bloating and water weight gain are regulated by this gland. It also influences metabolism. Does this little gland have your attention now? The second aspect of this gland is the inner part, called chatecolamines, which produce that increased burst of energy when you experience high stress or danger.
When we experience stress, our body senses that it might need energy later, so it holds onto the calories and the water. This is great if you are in a famine, or truly in physical danger, but if you experience long-term low grade stress (or more) every day from the busyness and business of life, you are probably in trouble. Over time, your body will accumulate what I like to call "stress fat". This is something your body is purely holding onto for emergency purposes, but the famine or flood never comes.
Over time we continue to build up the water weight and body fat. Our next blog, we will discuss the specific steps you can take to shed those unwanted "stress fat" pounds!
AuthorLibby Wright, mother of four who homeschools, is an original founder of SupplementRelief.com in 2010. She suffered through challenging diseases including Interstitial Cystitis, Graves and Lyme. After years of little progress with traditional medicine, she pursued integrative medicine, applied what she learned, and got healthier. She became passionate about wanting others to experience the same "relief" she had come to know, and SupplementRelief.com was born. She is now managing her illness with a lot of prayer, a lot of nutrition/supplements, and a little prescription medicine. She has been able to resume her normal life and, while there is no cure for her particular conditions, she is able to cope, enjoy every day, and encourage others.
Learn more about Libby Wright.
-
Related Content
Related Content
We encourage you to take advantage of these FREE Wellness Resources on our website.
Webinar: Eight and One Half Steps to Relieve Stress
Facilitator Libby Wright discusses the physiological effects of stress and how we perceive situations with participants of the Your Best Weight program. She provides practical tips for managing stress that everyone can do. The webinar last for 17 minutes and addresses questions submitted by the program participants.
Yes! Stress Makes You Fat Part 2
How can you support your adrenal glands more? Adrenals are what help your body respond to stress, and when not properly cared for, weight gain can result!
The information, knowledge, and experience shared on this website is the opinion of SupplementRelief.com. This site and its content is intended to enhance your knowledge base as YOU MAKE YOUR OWN HEALTHCARE DECISIONS in partnership with your qualified health professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products referred to are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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