Stress and cholesterol: Does stress "go to your thighs"?Stress and cholesterol: What's the connection? Learn how cholesterol and stress are related to each other. Cholesterol is just another "problem" tying the connection between stress and health. Right? Right. I know you may be worried right now, because cholesterol isn't a good thing (Well there is a "good" cholesterol, which you'll learn about now). So you may start stressing out and asking yourself, "Will stress raise my cholesterol levels?" Don't worry. All this "pre-stressing" is unnecessary. All you need to do is understand the relationship. Once you've done that, I'll guide you to your next steps. With that said, let's take a deeper look into stress and health, and start exploring cholesterol. Ready? Here it is... A Deeper Look at Cholesterol So, you know the word "cholesterol" but you may not know anything more than that. You see, there are two types of cholesterols: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). For today, all you need to know is that LDL is "bad" and HDL is "good". Stress raises your LDL cholesterol levels. Wait! Don't start stressing out now, just because you heard the "bad" news. Remember; today's goal is to learn the connection. I'll guide you on how to move forward after you've learned the relationship between stress and cholesterol. So here's how stress raises LDL cholesterol... Stress and Cholesterol: The Basics You probably know that cholesterol is not good for your arteries, and that you can "collect" it from fatty foods. So cholesterol obviously has to do with your body. What about stress? It's all in the mind. An overwhelmed brain means a stressed out person. Hmm. Are you thinking what I'm thinking? How can something from the mind trigger something that affects your body. What's the connection? Scientists from different countries have proven a connection between stress and cholesterol. Here's what the researchers from University College London, Uk think... When you're stressed, your body is triggered to generate more energy. So what? Well, this energy is usually created in the form of fatty acids. So what? Well, these fatty acids need to be taken to your other tissues. How does that happen? Your liver produces more LDL (bad) cholesterol to help move those fatty acids to other parts of your body. I know it's a little confusing, but you know the big picture: Stress can cause a spike in your LDL cholesterol. Forget the Facts. How Else Does Stress "Go to Your Thighs"? There's actually more to stress and cholesterol. No more confusing facts, though. Let's take a look at some indirect factors that affect your cholesterol. Do You Overeat When You're Stressed? I do. Come on, be honest with yourself. If you don't overeat, that's great! But if you do, it's just another way you can raise your cholesterol. But hey, I'm guilty of it too! So we both have something to work on... You see, we mostly overeat on fatty foods. And fatty foods are a "no-no" for "bad" cholesterol. Are You a Couch-Potato? Should I admit it? Alright, fine. I also tend to be lazy when I'm stressed. Exercise is very important for reducing your cholesetrol levels. And watching TV all day, well, doesn't help. So if you find yourself just sitting around when you're stressed, your cholesterol might make you pay for it. Smoke? Drink? Well, I'm not guilty of these two. If you are, your LDL cholesterol could spike up. Being stressed may cause you to drink and smoke more than you usually do, so watch it... Here's My Advice; I Promised! Ok. You've accomplished today's goal. You've learned about the connection between stress and cholesterol. Great start! Here's My advice You see, stress and health have many common grounds, and cholesterol is one of them. You may be stressed, and you may start "stressing" out on how your cholesterol could increase. Save it! Just start learning how to relieve stress. That's right. There are many handy tips and techniques on this website, so you can live a happy life. Deal with stress , don't let it control you! Just keep an open mind while exploring through this website. I don't know how many times I've said this, but I'll say it again. Understanding the problem is part of the solution. Do I sound like a broken record? Hey, I was hesitant too. But all it takes is that first step. The rest just comes along... Today's Lesson? Well, today's lesson on stress and cholesterol is in the books. Or "in the website"! You have taken that first step. And remember, not everyone has the courage to tackle their stress problems. By researching on stress and cholesterol, it shows that you're determined to get an answer. Hey, with that kind of mind-set, relieving your stress will be a cake-walk! Most people just jump right in to the solution, without even understanding the problem. You have the patience and the attitude that it takes to make your stressful days a things of the past! Take advantage of the help on this site, and be one day closer to your ultimate goal!
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