There’s no doubt about it, processed food and stress are linked.
Hello Everyone,
Many people may not realize that when we eat, our levels of cortisol rise. Cortisol is your bodies main stress hormone. Some foods can help manage cortisol levels while other foods will increase cortisol.
Unfortunately, when we are not consuming a proper amount of healthy foods, there can be adverse affects. Some foods and drinks can raise your cortisol levels. These include highly processed foods, trans fats, sugar and caffeinated beverages.
It was shown that in stressful situations, appetite for sugar, salt and fatty foods rise. Not only do they taste good, but they increase serotonin, which is a "happy" hormone.
While these foods may taste good in the moment, consuming low nutrient, high calorie foods increases stress in a few ways.
A lack of nutrients which prevents the body from running at optimal levels
Unhealthy ingredients that can lead to additional health issues, not only physically, but emotionally.
Mood swings, weight gain and increases in blood sugar.
Have you ever been in a bad mood without fully understanding why? Did you ever examine the food choices you make when feeling this way?
Another thing to look out for are food sensitivities. If you have any sensitivities to foods or food allergies, these things can cause your body to release stress hormones as your immune system is activated in an attempt to fight off the problem.
This can leave you feeling moody and irritable, and cause inflammation in your body that you may not be aware of because it is not always physically apparent.
When our bodies are under duress, our moods tend to take a hit.
If you look at the symptoms for many diseases, irritability and mood swings are often early warning signs. Our bodies know when something is off, and when our brains are producing an overabundance of stress hormones, it is a sign that we should be paying attention.
How can you maintain healthy cortisol levels?
Meditation helps reduce the reactivity of the stress response
Physical activity and good sleeping habits
A healthy balanced diet
When food shopping, shop the perimeter before heading into the processed food aisles. The perimeter is where you will find the majority of fresh, whole foods. Come prepared with a shopping list. It is much easier to make healthy choices if you are prepared ahead of time!
While processed foods may seem like a convenient choice, consider the future of your health. It may cost you much more to try to reverse the damage that these types of foods cause, while prevention comes from making healthier choices.
When they say that one ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, they aren't joking!
Avoid stressing your body out with processed foods and enjoy a healthier lifestyle today!
To your health & happiness,
xoxo
Amy