Does stress affect cholesterol levels?

Is there a link between stress and blood cholesterol levels? What might it be due to?

Cholesterol is a lipid, a fatty substance produced by the body in the liver and also found in some foods. Its too high levels in the blood negatively affect health. It is heavily influenced by lifestyle.

Bad habits, hormones and stress

One of the risk factors for high cholesterol is being overweight, which is what we are dealing with when the body mass index value BMI is 25 and above. A Does stress raise cholesterol? of this substance in the blood. Functioning under constant stress is associated with less healthy eating habits, and thus can result in weight gain, the aforementioned risk factor. In addition, the body releases cortisol in response to stress, produced precisely from cholesterol. The need to produce this hormone – resulting from constant tension – may be the mechanism that causes cholesterol levels to rise. Adrenaline is also released in response to stressful situations. In response, the concentration of triglycerides in the blood increases, which affects the body’s entire lipid metabolism.

Dealing with tension

– Reduce stressful situations

Since there is an indirect link between prolonged tension and blood cholesterol levels, it is worth learning how to deal with stress. You won’t eliminate it completely from your life, but think about which responsibilities during the day annoy you the most, and try to reduce their number. Also, therapy with a psychologist can provide new techniques to combat tension.

– Physical activity

Regular exercise has a positive effect on both nerves and cholesterol levels. Start with simple goals, such as walking for half an hour a day, and increase the intensity and duration of your workouts over time. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, and choose the forms of exercise you like best – so that the need to be active doesn’t become a new source of stress.

– Healthy diet

A healthy diet can also have a significant impact on your mood and blood cholesterol levels. Reduce the amount of saturated and trans fats in your meals. Choose fish and skinless lean poultry instead of red meats and processed foods. Replace full-fat dairy products with fat-free versions. Avoid simple carbohydrates, i.e. foods made with white flour and sugar. Eat plenty of fresh and whole-grain products. You can also try dietary supplements to help maintain normal cholesterol levels, such as Berimal. Remember to provide your body with no less than 1,500 calories a day. An overly restrictive diet can not only be stressful, but also dangerous to your health.

There is an indirect link between a state of constant tension and high cholesterol levels In the blood. , exercise, stick to a healthy diet and support yourself with supplements if necessary. If you feel that stress is negatively affecting your overall mental and physical health, seek help from a psychologist or other specialist.