The relationship between weight gain and stress. What happens when inflammation occurs?
Talk · 1h 5 min.
The causes of weight gain are:
- Excessive fat accumulation.
- Fluid retention (extracellular).
- Inflammation.
In what situations does inflammation occur?
- Trauma.
- Attack by external agents.
- Postprandial inflammation, with leukocytosis and compensation phase.
These inflammations are necessary, they protect us and help us recover. The problem arises with what is called Low-Grade Inflammation.
It is systemic inflammation (throughout the body). It is characterized by elevated circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines, as well as increased macrophage infiltration in peripheral tissues.
The main causes of Low-Grade Inflammation are:
- High-calorie diet.
- Excess weight and insulin resistance.
- Toxic habits and sedentism.
- Oral health (periodontitis).
- Stress and lack of sleep.
Consequences of Low-Grade Inflammation:
- Diabetes/Cancer/Cardiovascular diseases/Alzheimer's/Autoimmune diseases/….
We need to distinguish between 2 types of stress:
- Eustress (positive stress). Represents stress where the individual interacts with their stressor and keeps their mind open and active.
- Distress (negative stress). Represents detrimental stress that triggers physiological and psychological imbalance.
When it comes to acute stress (a stressful situation that is resolved and the person continues with their normal life) there's not much to worry about. The problem comes when it becomes chronic stress, which has harmful effects such as imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
How can we improve chronic stress?
- Good nutrition.
- Physical activity.
- Meditation.
- Laughter (laughter therapy).
- Phytotherapy and nutritional supplements.
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