Steroids released by the body under stressful situations can impair weight loss and muscle mass gain
OR cortisol it is an important hormone, produced by the body to put the body on alert during difficult situations. However, when its levels exceed the desired limit, it can cause numerous damages to health and well-being.
“Also called ‘stress hormone’, cortisol prepares our body for very stressful situations, both to face danger and to escape from it. This steroid is directly related to the various regulatory activities of different systems. With it, it combines important effects in the regulation of our organism and, therefore, it needs to be in balance”, explains Dr. Gabriela Iervolino, endocrinologist of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology (SBEM).
You know that moment where you see yourself doing whatever it takes to improve your physical conditioning and still not quit? She works out every day and doesn’t screw up with her diet, but she can’t make progress towards her fitness goals. The big villain of this story could be, in fact, cortisol.
“Case [o cortisol] it is too low, for example, will have a negative impact on the body, causing weight loss, fatigue and anemia. On the other hand, even the high level of cortisol is extremely harmful, especially for those who are trying to lose weight,” says the doctor.
According to Dr. Iervolino, unregulated levels of cortisol can hinder the development of physical conditioning and harm an individual’s health, causing symptoms such as increased hunger, blood sugar instability and increased blood pressure.
How to check cortisol levels
To keep cortisol levels within an acceptable range, the best alternative is to find outlets for stressful situations in everyday life. Regular physical activity, for example, is a good option. But exaggerating in sports can generate unnecessary stress for the body. The obsession with losing weight or gaining muscle mass quickly can also become a stress trigger. Therefore, the ideal is to be thrifty and evolve without haste.
“Another way to regulate cortisol, when we are very stressed, are relaxation techniques with breathing exercises. A daily meditation, even for ten minutes, in which we manage to elevate our mind to a more serene state, leaving the body more relaxed, it also counts a lot for maintaining good cortisol levels”, recommends Dr. Iervolino.
“When you sleep badly, the next day you end up with very high cortisol, and that’s why we get much hungrier and want to eat, mainly, sweeter and more caloric things. Aromatherapy also helps in relaxation, when it’s time to sleep. However, there are different ways to get around everyday stressful situations,” he concludes.
The recipe, therefore, for keeping cortisol levels within a healthy range is to have a balanced routine. Avoid stressful situations, avoid triggering factors and bet on an active life, but without exaggerating.
“By controlling cortisol we can have a healthier diet routine, after all high cortisol will lead us to eat more fatty and caloric foods. So, consequently, by controlling these levels, we can also lose weight in a healthier way, without rushing, with the aim of changing your lifestyle and knowing that this change is not temporary, but for life and, precisely for this reason, must be accompanied by a professional, who will guide you on the right path, encourage you and win not leave you fall, which is the most important thing”, concludes Dr. Iervolino.
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Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
