Stress hormone cortisol can make you fatter

Article: http://vitatalks.com/2010/10/01/stress-can-make-your-belly-fatter/

Stress results in raised levels of the hormone cortisol. This stress hormone helps us during times of emergency, but can cause weight gain when levels are chronically raised.

Belly fat cells are many times more responsive to the fat promoting effects of cortisol. So getting stressed can expand your waistline.

Elevated cortisol levels interfere with the proper functioning of the blood sugar control hormone insulin. High insulin levels are linked to weight gain, and obesity. Insulin also promotes weight gain around the middle.

Cortisol results in appetite changes. Particularly cravings for sweet things and carbohydrates. This further increases weight gain

Relaxation and meditation techniques help lower cortisol.

Dietary changes that help lower cortisol levels: Blood sugar balance is the single most important factor, disturbed blood sugar causes excess insulin to be pumped out. Removing sugar and refined carbohydrates is a key component of blood sugar balance.

Supplements that help reduce cortisol: the blood sugar balance minerals chromium and magnesium. Fish oil also helps balance blood sugar, and can directly reduce cortisol output.

Phosphatidylserine directly reduces cortisol output.

Ashwagandha increases tolerance to stress, lowers anxiety levels and directly reduces cortisol output.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• stress
• cortisol
• weight
• loss
• dieting
• diet
• belly
• fat
• waist
• blood
• sugar
• balance
• phosphatidylserine
• ashwagandha
• chromium
• magnesium
• fish
• oil
• adrenal
• glands

[nutritionistEsUK]

Cut out my one a day rich tea and copious coffee.....oh man. My only two vices.

[KrystaBelle32]

Well, at least now I know why I have a fat belly, WAY TOO MUCH stress in my life!