Did you know: Stress Raises Your Cholesterol Level?

In today society, stress is inevitable. Many studies prove that stress increases cholesterol not only in the short-term but also affect cholesterol levels in the long term. The more aggression stress produces in an individual, the higher their triglyceride levels tend to be. Stress encourages the body to produce more energy in the form of metabolic fuels, which cause the liver to produce and secrete more of the “bad cholesterol”. It interferes with the body's ability to clear lipids. In stressful moments, primitive instincts prepare the body for flight or fight. The body triggers the generation of two hormones, cortisol and adrenaline, from the hypothalamus, a gland near the brain as a protection mechanism. These hormones increase blood flow to the brain and act as stimuli to release more energy. It also triggers the production of cholesterol. The hormones produce more sugar in order to provide the body with instant energy to tackle the stress. The high sugar levels however, are not often used up by the body and eventually are converted to fatty acids and cholesterol. Stress also cause people to smoke, drink and eat a diet that contributes to high cholesterol i.e. unhealthy habits.

So forks if you are stressed, it is recommended that you listen to music, practice yoga and meditation or do physical workout.