Stress and Cortisol
A lot of recent study point to the unavoidable fact that stress can and will lead
to fat gain. Not only we eat more when we are stressed but we are also producing a hormone named
Cortisol - the stress hormone. Cortisol metabolize protein to generate glucose in order to stabilize
the blood sugar to a sufficient level. In essence, when we are stressed are body produce cortisol which in
turn break muscle tissue for its protein content and convert it into sugar.
The blood sugar triggers an Insulin response which in turn activate the fat cells
receptor to absorb that sugar. In simple terms, muscle turns to sugar, fat cells are activated and absorb that
sugar so they grow in size. That's how "muscle turns to fat" idea started in the first place.
We can avoid that scenario by limiting the stress in our life and
practicing relaxing techniques, one of which is exercise. By that, not only are we reducing stress levels
together with Cortisol, but we also activate the muscles and cause them to swallow that sugar, effectively
counteracting the Insulin response which not only prevent fat gain, but also contribute significantly to weight
loss.
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