While many of us get up and leave the comfort of your bed in the wee hours of the morning to head out to the gym, it might be good to know some interesting facts about weight management that have nothing to do with nutrition and training.
Stress and insomnia also play an equally important role when talking about weight management. Sleeping even only one hour less per night reduces the level of melatonin (sleep hormone) and stimulates the production of cortisol (stress hormone).An inadequate level of melatonin inhibits the hormone leptin (sensation of satiety) and serotonin (happiness hormone), and increases ghrelin (feeling of hunger).It would therefore be more beneficial to sleep an extra hour rather than to go to the gym to train in the morning!A study has also shown that by reducing stress, it is possible to lose weight without even changing diets or joining a physical exercise program.
Cortisol is a hormone secreted by our body when we are confronted with a stressful situation. Stress can be obvious and immediate– for example if a bear were chasing us – or intangible as when we are late due to traffic. People who have a demanding job and heavy responsibilities, and who tend to be preoccupied are often in overproduction of cortisol. The effects of stress have a real impact on the management of weight. Cortisol tends to increase lipogenesis in some people; in other words, the formation of fat. In addition, cortisol blocks the release of leptin within fat cells, which means that elevated levels of cortisol make it impossible to fall into "fat burning" mode. In other cases, cortisol triples the insulin response to grains, starches, fruits, sugars and other carbohydrates. The body therefore treats an apple like three apples, a slice of bread like three slices, and so on. Since our body is "working" for us, it goes into energy conservation mode when stress levels reach off-standard proportions, storing as much fat as possible to make sure that we pass through that period which, in reality, never really ends.
Meanwhile, the production of melatonin is reduced when cortisol levels remain very high.As a matter of fact, cortisol blocks the release of melatonin. It's quite logical when you think about it: it's not when the bear is running after you that it's time to feel sleepy! Note that melatonin levels and the time allotted to sleeping are directly linked to weight loss and weight gain. Fortunately, Land Art offers a melatonin supplement for those finding it difficult falling asleep which is quite effective for falling asleep and staying asleep.
Relaxation, meditation, yoga, and cardiac coherence are all methods used to help reduce the production of cortisol in the system and, by doing so, lessening the feeling of stress.Some natural health products made from plants have the ability to promote the body's adaptation to the effects of stress.Others can be incredible allies when insomnia or other sleep disorders are present. In order to calm me down during a stressful situation, one of my favorite products from Land Art is Feel #1, a decoction of adaptogenic and calming plants containing 5-HTP.In addition to stimulating the natural production of serotonin (happiness hormone), 5-HTP increases the satiety signals and reduces cravings, which is certainly helpful when one is working on a weight loss approach! This being said, have a good workout, bon appétit and sleep well. Namaste!