Stress and Belly Fat

Have you ever heard the term "belly fat"? Have you found yourself pondering what it means? Well, let us find out. Let's examine stress and belly fat

One primary contributor to belly fat: Stress. When you are stressed, your body releases chemicals called cortisol and other hormones that can impair your metabolism. You need some serious stress management. In a previous post, discussed the impact of stress on your insulin levels, and how to tame your stress, using some simple (okay, maybe not so simple, but worth a try) steps to do so. I also mentioned that refined sugar increases stress levels and contributes to fat-berg build up.

Sugar-loaded processed foods contribute to high cortisol production, as well. According to the American Dietetic Association, refined carbohydrates and refined sugars contribute to insulin resistance, which is one of the causes of insulin resistance, which contributes to belly fat. What does this have to do with belly fat?

When your insulin levels increase, the pancreas responds by releasing more insulin, which then goes into your bloodstream. Insulin itself is a cheap hormone, as long as it goes to where it is needed. It picks up the sugar that is not metabolized and brings it back to the liver to be converted into glycogen, which is a starch. That is what you gain in a stressful situation from high cortisol levels.

It is possible to lose belly fat by making better choices and eating better foods. You don't have to follow any fad diet or take expensive supplements. The most important thing that you can do is to get enough sleep, enough water, and exercise regularly. This is all it takes to rest your mind, body, and soul. It takes all three components of a healthy lifestyle to lose weight and keep it off. It takes discipline and commitment, but the rewards are well worth it.

Reducing stress and gaining control over your hormones is a great place to start. Stress, as we have discussed, leads to more insulin, which means more fat storage. If you want to reduce your stress, then start by learning the many ways to reduce stress in your life, such as meditation, exercise, deep breathing, yoga, and even learning to write down your thoughts so that you can train your mind to think positively.

There are other ways to deal with the stress in your life, too, such as with glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, or taking fish oil or flaxseed oil. They are great because they help the liver metabolize cortisol and glucose, increasing your bodies' ability to burn energy more efficiently. They also help to repair cells, so they can work more effectively and help preserve your immune system and help fight depression. Chances are, if you think about your stress and its relationship with your liver, you will also realize that you need to give your liver a boost, too!

Many people do not realize that being stressed or living a stressful life is a big risk factor for type 2 diabetes and other metabolic syndrome disorders. This is one of the main reasons that I strongly recommend that all my patients take charge of their own health care. You can improve your life today by taking control of your stress and finding ways to decrease stress and improve your health. It's really easy to do and once you start doing it, you will notice a major difference in your life today and well into the future. If you have diabetes or are overweight and suffering from any of the metabolic syndrome disorders, I strongly recommend that you take action and learn how to overcome stress and develop a healthier lifestyle.