PERSISTENT stress is directly linked to overeating, lack of sleep, reduced exercising and increased alcohol intake – all contributing to weight gain, research shows.
A report by Harvard Medical School in the US notes that the key to good health is finding ways to relieve stress without overeating, while a local nutrition expert advocates a healthier lifestyle and eating habits to avoid bingeing and its consequences.
“South Africa is ranked as the second most stressed nation in the world and although short-term stress may reduce appetite, chronic stress may cause adrenal glands to release the hormone cortisol which boosts appetite.
“If stress persists, cortisol levels may remain elevated, contributing to ‘comfort’ or overeating,” the report read.
“Stress also seems to affect food preference (increasing) the intake of food high in fat, sugar or both.
“These foods really are ‘comfort’ foods in that they seem to counteract stress – and this may contribute to people’s stress-induced craving for those foods,” the report said, adding that overeating is not the only stress-related behaviour that can add pounds.
“Stressed people also lose sleep, exercise less, and drink more alcohol, all of which can contribute to excess weight.”
Nutrition and health expert, Vanessa Ascencao, said stress-related overeating and overindulging place further pressure on the body, contributing to a cycle of poor health.
She said excessive alcohol, sugary and fatty foods place enormous strain on the liver and other organs.
“Find an alternative to overindulging such as exercise, play, or sport. Help your body keep toxins at bay through quality supplements such as potent green tea extract, Origine 8 which is packed with liver-supporting detoxifiers known as catechins,” she said.
Ascencao shares the following tips to avoid unhealthy choices:
- Identify stress triggers and try to avoid them
- Have an “exit plan” for functions at which you will be tempted to overindulge
- Be selective about your time – choose healthy pursuits with healthy people
- Build resilience by eating plenty of fruit and vegetables
- Avoid processed foods and drink lots of water
- Try high-quality detox-promoting supplement, Origine 8, and inflammation-fighting Bio-Curcumin
- Rest, sleep for at least eight hours a night and exercise daily for at least 30 minutes.
