Dr.Alok Purohit, (PhD) Health Coach, Obesity and Diabetes educator

Stress is a common part of life, but its impact on our health can often go unnoticed. In particular, stress can have a significant impact on our metabolic health, which can lead to a variety of health problems over time.

When we experience stress, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is an important hormone that helps us respond to stress by increasing our heart rate and releasing sugar into our bloodstream for energy. However, when cortisol levels remain elevated for long periods of time, it can have negative effects on our metabolism.

One way that stress affects metabolism is by promoting inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a natural response to stress, but chronic inflammation can lead to the development of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Research has shown that people who experience chronic stress have higher levels of inflammation markers in their blood compared to those who are not stressed.

Stress can also lead to weight gain and obesity, which are known risk factors for metabolic disorders. When cortisol levels are elevated, it can cause the body to store more fat, particularly in the abdominal region. This type of fat is called visceral fat, and it is associated with an increased risk of developing metabolic health problems, such as insulin resistance and high blood pressure.

Another way that stress affects metabolism is by disrupting our circadian rhythm, which is our body’s natural 24-hour cycle of physiological processes. When cortisol levels are elevated, it can cause our bodies to produce less insulin at night, which can lead to elevated glucose levels in the morning. This can disrupt our sleep patterns, further exacerbating the negative impact of stress on our metabolic health.

In conclusion, stress can have a profound impact on our metabolic health, leading to a variety of health problems over time. It is important to recognize the impact of stress on our health and take steps to manage it, such as through exercise, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques.

Visit https://www.alokpurohit.com/  and/or write to us on alokpurohit.com@gmail.com for once in a lifetime, personalized health and life coaching which can help you learn more about your lifestyle conditions, reduce stress and anxiety through non medicinal, preventive/corrective lifestyle interventions.

References:

1. Epel, E. S., McEwen, B., Seeman, T., Matthews, K., Castellazzo, G., Brownell, K. D., … & Ickovics, J. R. (2000). Stress and body shape: stress-induced cortisol secretion is consistently greater among women with central fat. Psychosomatic Medicine, 62(5), 623-632.
2. Lupien, S. J., McEwen, B. S., Gunnar, M. R., & Heim, C. (2009). Effects of stress throughout the lifespan on the brain, behaviour and cognition. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 10(6), 434-445.
3. Huang, Y., Li, X., Li, L., Li, Y., Li, S., Li, X., … & Pan, A. (2017). Chronic stress and its impact on metabolic health: A systematic review. Metabolism, 70, 1-14.
4. Epel, E. S., McEwen, B., Seeman, T., Matthews, K., Castellazzo, G., Ickovics, J. R., … & Brownell, K. D. (2000). Stress and body shape: stress-induced cortisol secretion is consistently greater among women with central fat. Psychosomatic Medicine, 62(5), 623-632.