Does Stress Affect Cholesterol?

You must be aware that numerous reasons lead to a hike in your cholesterol levels. But have you ever imagined stress to be a killer cause that can ruin your cholesterol markers apart from damaging your mental well-being? Well, yes it is because there are a lot of studies that altogether point out that stress increases cholesterol in the short term, as well as long term.  

Stress Vs Cholesterol – How They Related?

Some studies also indicate that stress can occur to anyone, but how cleverly the person manages it matters.

To make it clear, unhealthy ways to manage stress contribute more to increasing the levels of LDL(bad cholesterol) in you while lowering the levels of HDL ( good cholesterol) as well. 

How Can Stress Increase Cholesterol?

There is a set of psychological reactions that occur whenever you feel stressed. These reactions include variations in your hormone levels and the components in your blood as well. These two aspects are essential to keep the balance of your body, especially the blood. So, a slight variation can bring a significant rise in your cholesterol levels as it affects your blood functions. 

The Role Of Stress Hormones

Adrenaline and cortisol are known as stress hormones. They can trigger the production of cholesterol with their abnormal levels. Cholesterol is produced by the liver to rectify cell damage and to let your body use it for energy. While the liver produces an excess amount of cholesterol, it will get clogged in your arteries to prevent smooth blood flow. This condition can gradually lead to a heart attack or stroke. 

At the same time, cortisol creates more sugar, as a short-term energy source for your body. But if you often undergo stressful situations, these sugars will remain unused repeatedly and piled up to be converted into triglycerides or other fatty acids. Once these are created, they are more likely to get stored in your abdomen. This can lead to a high risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 

How To Handle Stress?

The way you handle stress is important as it can directly affect your cholesterol levels. It is so common to have a tendency to eat more when you get stressed. Or else, you choose to smoke more when you get emotionally down. Some people prefer to get isolated from others and let them suffer alone.  

Whereas you can follow certain tips to get relief from stress, so as to minimize the chances of it adversely affecting your cholesterol levels. 

• Getting connected with nears and dears.
• Help others and it will help you to boost your mood
• Meditate and achieve peace of mind
• Listen to some relaxing music
• Workout regularly

Stress And Eating Disorders

Just like stress can lead to the excess production of fat and sugar in your body, it can also result in unnecessary cravings and eating disorders. Unhealthy food choices and excess eating cannot do anything good to you. But instead, it will result in a bulky addition to your daily calorie intake, add a few extra pounds to your body weight, and hike your cholesterol levels. 

Since stress can lead to a lack of sleep, it can indirectly contribute to rapid weight gain and an increase in your cholesterol levels. Whereas, some people tend to sleep more when they get tense, which would also lead to the same. 

Conclusion

While stress will make you inactive and lack of movement leads to obesity and the risk of a heart attack. Your choice of lifestyle including your diet, lack of movement, and smoking is greatly associated with high cholesterol levels. So, even if it is difficult, proper management of stress is necessary to lead a healthier life. If your stress levels are creating a great decline in your performance levels, never hesitate to seek medical help as it will help you to have control over your everyday life.