Stress Belly: Ring a Bell?

We’ve all heard about the “beer belly” and the “mid-life belly,” but did you know that when our nervous system goes into overdrive, our body stockpiles fat that we could do without.

Stress and sleep

asktheexpert
Sonia Chartier
@AVogel_ca


15 March 2014

Stress in and of itself is a positive thing. It’s our body’s way of reacting to physical and/or psychological aggression. In fact, our bodies are genetically programmed to set in motion this survival response when stimulated. By releasing the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol, the sympathetic nervous system prepares to cope with stress.

Adrenaline and cortisol

These hormones are secreted by two glands located above the kidneys, known as the adrenal glands. When released into the blood stream, these hormones mobilize our body to respond to stress.Several areas of the body are affected by this process:

  • Your heart beats faster;
  • Your muscles become tense due to an influx of blood;
  • Your digestion slows;
  • Your hairs stand on end to impress your enemy(!);
  • Your awareness is heightened.

The fact that your hairs stand on end may seem strange, but, as in animals, this is a primitive survival response going back to the first humans. Of course, today’s stress is quite different from that experienced by our ancestors; we are subjected to much more psychological stress than physical stress. However, the physiological response is the same, whether you’re being attacked by a woolly mammoth or worried about arriving late at daycare.

Adrenalin triggers the instantaneous physiological responses mentioned above. Our body has to increase its metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates to produce the energy required.

Then, the cortisol kicks in to maintain a constant blood-sugar level in order to keep up the flow of energy to the heart, muscles and brain. Its role is to make sure our body has constant reserves, allowing it to resist as long as possible.

So, if our body is in a continual state of alert day after day, it is always renewing its energy reserves. That’s why it deposits these reserves in an accessible spot, just above the kidneys and close to the adrenal gland, in the form of fat. This fat will eventually be converted into sugar to meet the body’s energy needs. That’s why it’s not uncommon to see highly stressed people with a stress belly!

The accelerated metabolism of certain organic substances triggers an increase in the secretion of other substances, including proteins, potassium and phosphorus, as well as a decrease in calcium reserves. Many of the physical problems triggered by stress are actually not a direct result of stress itself, but rather of the loss of nutrients caused by accelerated metabolism during episodes of stress.

Nature to the Rescue!

In cases of intense stress, it is a good idea to take certain anti-stress plants .

Lemon Balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, lemon balm is a member of the mint family. Like passionflower, lemon balm has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. One study found that supplementing with lemon balm for just two weeks resulted in a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms. Lemon balm works by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps regulate mood and sleep. Lemon balm is typically consumed as a tea or supplement and is generally considered safe.

While passionflower and lemon balm are both effective at reducing stress, they are often used in combination to enhance their effects. As the first botanical oral spray in Canada, Relax Spray is a perfect example of how these herbs work in harmony, along with zinc to manage stress. The nutrient has been shown to be low in those with anxiety and when people consumed zinc, their reported anxiety fell.8

Many other popular anti-stress blends like Relax Tabs contain a mixture of passion flower, lemon balm, and valerian root (Valeriana officinalis). Valerian root works similarly to passion flower by increasing GABA levels in the brain. The main active compounds include iridoids, valerenic acid and acetoxyvalerenic acid which also act on adenosine and serotonin receptors to support mental well-being, even while you sleep!9

When combined with passionflower and lemon balm, valerian root provides a sedating quality to the product. Though, other herbs commonly used in anti-stress blends include ashwagandha, skullcap, and chamomile.

If you are taking tranquilizers, sedatives or antidepressants, it would be unwise to use herbal remedies with the same effect. If you feel that your medication isn't working, consult your doctor again to either change your medication or simply try a natural product instead.

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