When we perceive that the demands of the environment (family responsibilities, illnesses, professional obligations…) exceed our capacity to deal with them, the organism generates a physiological response –the stress–, in which different defense mechanisms participate.
This automatic manifestation does not come alone: the levels of physiological and psychological activation increase in such a remarkable way that they can cause various effects such as anxietyjoy, satisfaction, anger or sadness.
From cortisol to cholesterol
Faced with these disturbances of our emotional balancethe body (to protect itself) reacts by secreting cortisol, known as the stress hormone. And this, in turn, promotes the release of triglycerides and fatty acids, responsible for raising cholesterol.
As clinical psychologist Carlos Catalina Romero explains, there is a consistent association between our emotions and lipid levels in blood.
According to data from the MIDUS study, published in July 2014 in the journal Psychological Sciencethe people who keep some stable levels of well-being During a period of approximately ten years, once the follow-up phase is over, they present higher amounts of HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol, and lower amounts of triglycerides.
Results like these suggest, in Catalina Romero’s terms, that the lipid metabolism emerges as one of the mechanisms involved in the relationship between emotions and health.
Keep the balance
Although the response in the form of stress can be useful to us, since it prepares the organism to act quickly and efficiently in the face of the demands of the situation, when alertness becomes chronic and it becomes a constant, it can cause considerable wear and tear on the person, reduce performance, trigger physical health problems such as hypertension and heart disease and even psychological disorders such as depression.
The maintenance of a good emotional management It is therefore essential to prevent negative feelings from being encapsulated and translated into physical symptoms (somatization). To do this, you have to learn to set limits, make decisions, communicate well and have a positive attitude towards life.
He self knowledge According to Laura Solana, head of Clinical Psychology at the Comprehensive Center for the Treatment of Anxiety and Stress, it is key to achieving a satisfying life: if we are aware of how we relate to life, we will prevent it from overtaking us.
Likewise, people who experience the circumstances they face in terms of opportunity and not as a threat, are capable of manage stress more effectively.
4 habits to control cholesterol
For keep cholesterol at bay it is necessary to follow a healthy diet. But you also have topay attention to other aspects of our life.
- Spend time on all facets of your life: family, work, leisure, friends. Don’t neglect them. And increase social contact and the activities that please you the most.
- Take maximum care of sleep habits: It is essential to sleep eight hours each day to achieve an adequate recovery of the organism and put a stop to stress.
- It is not convenient to leave unresolved situations or pending issues. For this, it is essential that you establish a good organization and planning of your time.
- Follow a balanced diet chew slowly and mindfully, keep regular schedules, avoid stimulants, and engage in aerobic exercise and life in nature.