I would like to learn how stress and abuse may have contributed to my weight gain.
Stress causes weight gain. It also makes it difficult to lose weight. Here’s why:
As our body reacts to the stresses placed upon it, it shifts into the ‘fight or flight’ mode called the sympathetic nervous system overload. This system is designed to protect us when we meet the saber tooth tiger in the jungle. The system
- increases blood supply to muscles,
- makes the heart pump harder and faster,
- makes us stronger,
- releases sugar from its storage form–all in an effort to improve survival. It also
- decreases non-survival mechanisms
- decreases all digestive juices,
- slows down the digestive tract (which causes constipation),
- decreases urine production,
- tightens sphincter control and relaxes the bladder and gall bladder.
This is the initial reaction. If the stress does not go away, the body sets up a new level of stability, but in overdrive. Chronic stress leads to chronic elevation of glucose, increased insulin release to help reduce it, and chronic interference with all digestive processes. High insulin interferes with the body’s ability to break down fat for energy, and encourages fat formation because of the elevated glucose levels.
Current trauma is just another stressor. Past trauma and abuse will act as a chronic stressor, and these may even be difficult to identify. Some of this abuse is remembered in the tissues of the body, serving as a constant reminder, often at the subconscious level.
As we ‘hang on’ to these experiences, and have difficulty forgiving others or ourselves–as we can’t ‘let go’ of the emotional stuff–we will also have difficulty ‘letting go’ of the physical stuff, like fat. So, not only do we need to address the present stresses in our life, we must also release the past abuses and move on so we can be healthy and feel good.
My doctor says I can get all the vitamins and minerals I need from my food. What is your opinion on this?
I used to say the same thing to my patients, back in the days before I studied healthy alternatives. It is the party line of allopathic medicine, although that is starting to change. Here's the bottom line, and I'll follow up with some info on what allopaths are now doing:
1 response so far ↓
1 Rosemary Evans // Aug 17, 2010 at 10:34 am
Excellent advice Dr. Gardner - that is why it is so important to love yourself - because until you truly love yourself it is hard to get your body in alignment - in order to love yourself you need to appreciate yourself and do positive self-talk - positive affirmations -every day - it needs to part of your routine just like bathing and brushing your teeth - actually you can do it while you do those mudane necessities. Give yourself the love that you didn’t receive as a child or youth or even now - because you have to become your own best friend - no one will ever be as close to you as you are - so you need to be your own best friend and love, appreciate and honor yourself. When you fill your head with positive loving thoughts the emotions follow and then the body can heal itself. You can forgive yourself and forgive others, knowing that all experiences that you have gone through shaped who you are - and you are amazing - tell yourself that - because it is true. I even wrote a book on this subject “Change Your Script and Change Your Life” - which is free on my web-site - soon - it is 31 days of stories and quotes to help you change your script. Hope that helps. Best to You
Rosemary Evans
Live Your Perfect Weight
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