Persistent stress is directly linked to overeating, lack of sleep, reduced exercising and increased alcohol intake \u2013 all contributing to weight gain, research shows.<\/p>\n
A report<\/a> by Harvard Medical School in the US notes that the key to good health is finding ways to relieve stress without overeating, while a local nutrition expert advocates healthier lifestyle and eating habits this festive season to avoid bingeing and its consequences.<\/p> South Africa is ranked<\/a> as the second most stressed nation in the world and although short-term stress may reduce appetite, chronic stress may cause adrenal glands to release the hormone cortisol which boosts appetite.<\/p>\n If stress persists, cortisol levels may remain elevated, contributing to \u201ccomfort\u201d or overeating.<\/p> \u201cStress also seems to affect food preferences\u2026(increasing) the intake of food high in fat, sugar or both\u2026These foods really are \u2018comfort\u2019 foods in that they seem to counteract stress \u2013 and this may contribute to people\u2019s stress-induced craving for those foods,\u201d noted the Harvard report.<\/p>\n \u201cOvereating isn’t the only stress-related behaviour that can add pounds.<\/p>\n \u201cStressed people also lose sleep, exercise less, and drink more alcohol, all of which can contribute to excess weight,\u201d the report stated.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n The best CARBS to eat for health & weight loss<\/a><\/p>\n Men\u2019s Health: 9 conditions SA men should not ignore<\/a><\/p>\n Nutrition and health expert, Vanessa Ascencao, says stress-related overeating and over-indulging in the holidays places further pressure on the body, contributing to a cycle of poor health.<\/p>\n Ascencao said excessive alcohol, sugary and fatty foods place enormous strain on the liver and other organs.<\/p>\n \u201cMake a conscious decision now not to binge over the holidays and rather to aim for a healthy and balanced diet.<\/p>\n \u201cFind an alternative to over-indulging such as exercise, play, or sport.<\/p>\n \u201cHelp your body keep toxins at bay through quality supplements such as potent green tea extract, Origine 8<\/a> which is packed with liver-supporting detoxifiers known as catechins.\u201d<\/p>\n Ascencao shared the following tips to avoid unhealthy choices this holiday season:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong> or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n