Can stress cause high cholesterol?

Stressed? Cholesterol levels are skyrocketing? Scared of ending up in the ER with a heart attack because you couldn’t handle your work pressure anymore? Hold on tight, we have got your back!

We all deal with stress. From handling everyday pressures and deadlines to coping with life-altering situations, it’s something we all face at some point or another. However, when they start impacting our health in multiple ways, that’s where things go berserk. One such instance could be high cholesterol levels.

But can stress really cause high cholesterol all by itself?

What is Stress?

Before jumping headfirst into answering this question, let’s first find out what ‘stress’ actually means (and no it isn’t just an excuse people make to slack off from their responsibilities).

Stress: A state of emotional or mental strain resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.

It’s natural for our body and mind to react to stressful events as it prepares us to fight-or-flight response but prolonged exposure takes its toll on our health that may lead to ailments plaguing physicians everywhere globally.

Let me guess – you already knew that right?

Yes It Does

That being said – yes, sometimes stress can raise your cholesterol numbers through various mechanisms- so sit down and grab yet another cuppa Joe fellas because I am about to take you on a tour explaining the hows!

Here are some possible reasons why.

The Impact Of Cortisol Levels

Cortisol is one heck of a hormone believed responsible for many metabolic changes during acute stress responses i.e., increased blood sugar concentration– which helps release energy stores allowing for increased muscle performance, keeping alert while lowering glucose use elsewhere i.e., brains etcetera), enhances brain alertness among other functions making sure nothing beat insurmountable leads last outcomes desired ( does not include belly fat – especially that accumulated around your guts)!
So, how does cortisol relate to cholesterol? Cortisol stimulates the liver to release glucose (which in larger quantities results to insulin resistance thus diabetes mellitus type II) and the mobilization of fatty acids from adipose tissue stores. This can raises LDL-C levels known as bad cholesterol.

The Impact Of Lifestyle And Eating Habits

While eating gummy bears and burgers during stressful moments seems like a momentary blissful relief, little do we know exactly what havoc it could wreak on our bodies later on! People under prolonged distress tend to eat impulsively- food for many is an outlet helping them cope with worries. Unfortunately, this means consuming foods high in sodium i.e., salted snacks or fast food which normally cause water retention all over the body leading ultimately leads arterial constriction as well! When arteries are clogged there isn’t enough blood flow given making heart muscle vulnerable & susceptible decreasing its performance overall downtime whenever present hence failing at pumping out required amounts efficiently resulting increased work load endangering cardiovascular system functionality!

Adrenaline Overload Causes Increase In Bad Cholesterol Levels

Acute stress being short-lived usually proceeds with adrenaline discharge into bloodstream where generally speaking improves physical performance when escaping dangerous situations rather than involving higher cardiac output. This physically demanding response may also alter lipoprotein metabolism exacerbating bad cholesterol concentration.

No, It Doesn’t

Okay now comes some attention-grabbing news – Stress does not only influence everything negatively!

Yes, possible: Studies reveal that certain folks manage stress better than others due specifically innate differences within their biochemistry affecting how hormones impact their health throughout years; however regardless managing it still does help given comprehensive ordeal.

To be more specific:

  1. Moderate Exercise Improves Good Cholesterol Levels: Are you looking forward reaching different dimensions before starting regular exercise? Instead engaging in small amounts vigorous activity even if done only for 20-30 min three to four days a week can effectively raise HDL-C or (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) known as good cholesterol coming from the liver shifting total serum levels thus decreasing associated risk heart diseases. How about getting some fancy running shoes now huh?
  2. Stress Management Therapy: A study conducted in 2006 revealed that ongoing therapy sessions specifically targeted stress management resulted overall positive cardiovascular related health changes compared those without such interventions indicating dire need controlling hypercholesterolemia problems through addressing stressors inducing this problem.
  3. Mindfulness Approaches To Reduce Cholesterol Levels: Incorporating mindfulness practices into daily routine are life changing experience! The practice involves staying present moment focusing long-term well being rather than worrying chronic everyday situations / obstacles one comes facing resulting peaceful existence creating happy mood significant reduction bad LDL-C levels!

Now, I am not saying that these ways single-handedly battle high cholesterol and win everytime but incorporating these approaches could bring your holistic living north of where you want it so stay hopeful fellas!

Takeaway

High cholesterol is no joke when it comes to fighting enemy within our bodies however if we control our emotions & thoughts succumbing less often current treatments appear progressive with better chances reversing this unhealthy process. Namely reducing sodium intake sticking up proper dietary structures running or partaking in corrective exercising programs while also seeking professional advice regarding other psychological factors impacting your wellbeing proactive approach yield best results lastly ease off on coffee drinking okay?

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