| What is this thing called cortisol? | | | | in no way the only factor in having belly fat or a pot |
| Cortisol is an important hormone in the body that is | | | | belly. |
| secreted in the adrenal glands. In small doses, this | | | | 2) Reduce Stress |
| hormone has positive effects on the body. | | | | Stress encourages the overproduction of cortisol, but |
| However, abnormal amounts can cause a lot of | | | | people react differently to stress. Therefore, the |
| diseases and it also increases abdominal fat, also | | | | amount secreted during stress will vary from one |
| known as the beer belly bulge or belly fat. The | | | | person to another. |
| proven methods below will help you keep this | | | | Calm your body and mind. Listen to music, meditate, |
| hormone at healthy levels and lose your stubborn | | | | do yoga, exercise. Keeping a journal of your feelings, |
| stomach fat in safe and healthy ways. | | | | gardening and playing with your children can also help |
| How does drinking produce high levels of cortisol | | | | to reduce stress. |
| resulting in the beer belly bulge? | | | | 3) Eat Whole Foods |
| Here's how. In one of the studies conducted by | | | | Whole foods are defined as "foods that are |
| Byron Adinoff, M.D. (Distinguished Professor of | | | | unprocessed and unrefined," and some extend this to |
| Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research in the Department | | | | include foods that are "just slightly processed or |
| of Psychiatry at the University of Texas | | | | refined." |
| Southwestern), it was found that alcohol can increase | | | | The chances of the overproduction of cortisol are |
| cortisol levels. It does this by directly affecting | | | | less likely to occur by eating more whole foods like |
| chemicals in the brain that inform the adrenal glands | | | | whole grain bread, fresh fruits and vegetables, raw |
| to produce and secrete this hormone. | | | | nuts, fish, poultry and unprocessed meat. |
| Cortisol is also called the "stress hormone" because | | | | Be warned. Not only does an overabundance of this |
| the body produces more of it when it is under | | | | hormone make you hungry for fatty foods, it also |
| considerable stress. | | | | tells your body to store fat mostly in the stomach, |
| An individual that is highly intoxicated may be | | | | and it settles there quite comfortably, thank you! |
| considered to be under stress which in turn, | | | | Is reducing cortisol levels enough to lose the beer |
| encourages the release of this hormone. | | | | belly bulge? |
| What are the 3 proven methods for maintaining | | | | One thing's for sure: While it is true that reducing this |
| cortisol at healthy levels in order to lose the beer | | | | hormone's levels can help you get rid of some of the |
| belly bulge? | | | | beer belly bulge, this alone will not eliminate it. Proper |
| 1) Eliminate or Reduce the Consumption of Alcohol | | | | exercises are paramount to losing fat around the |
| and Drink in Moderation | | | | stomach. |
| Cortisol levels are highest in the morning and wanes | | | | Incorrect workouts like abs crunches won't do it, and |
| at night. However, for heavy drinkers who drink daily, | | | | neither will abs loungers, abs rockets or leg raises. |
| the levels may double or more the normal levels | | | | While these exercise the abdominal muscles, they do |
| throughout the day and night. | | | | not burn stubborn belly fat. |
| Beer packs a lot of calories, approximately 150 | | | | To ensure your success, you will need a no-hype, |
| calories in a bottle. Although drinking lots of beer, no | | | | powerful method with tasty meals and non-boring, |
| doubt, is a major cause for the beer belly bulge, it is | | | | unique workouts to keep it fresh. |
