Hormones play a significant role in how our bodies can effectively burn body fat. Our adrenal glands, located on top of our kidneys, are responsible for secreting and balancing adrenaline and cortisol. These two hormones help control how the body responds to stress. When a stressful situation occurs, our bodies are wired to respond with a “fight or flight” reaction. Adrenaline is released making us more alert and focused by speeding up our blood pressure and heart rate. Cortisol is released to balance our blood sugar levels by catabolizing protein and drawing glycogen into the bloodstream for energy (Pick, 2008). After one’s adrenaline calms down it dissipates, but the cortisol remains longer to bring the body back into homeostasis. The cortisol keeps the appetite strong to restore energy that might have been used during the stressful situation (Spudich, 2007). However, dealing with stress from work is quite different from dealing with the stress of almost being attacked by a bear. There is no physical movement in the former to use the extra energy. Therefore, the stresses that we have in this era versus living in the wild in the past are considered equal by our endocrine system.
When cortisol levels are high for a prolonged time without rest and relaxation, the body remains on high alert and maintains the need for more calories. Because cortisol increases insulin sensitivity, high amounts of glucose (carbohydrates) in the bloodstream end up being stored as body fat. If the body is in a constant state of stress, it lacks the efficiency to normally digest food and metabolize energy. The body has a harder time regulating itself, thus resulting in mood swings, depression, feeling tired or anxious and increased food cravings.
Stress can come from a lack of sleep, overworking, overtraining or a negative mental attitude. Essential oils are a great way to bring cortisol levels down and to get ready for sleep. In addition, our diet helps regulate cortisol levels. Since eating increases cortisol levels, it is important to eat breakfast so that our natural rhythms of eat, sleep and energy, or circadian rhythms, begin to function in the morning and slow down by nighttime. Accordingly, dinner should be the smallest meal of the day (Pick, 2008). Weight loss can and should be approached holistically.
References
Pick, M. (2011, March). Adrenal health in women. Women to women.
http://www.womentowomen.com/adrenalhealth/default.aspx
Pick, M. (2011, March). Eating to support your adrenal glands--small choices can make a difference. Women to women.
Spudich, T. (2007, January). Cortisol and weight. ProjectAware.
http://www.project-aware.org/Resource/articlearchives/cortisol_weight.shtm
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