Stress belly can happen to anyone. Being under a significant amount of pressure, whether at work or in your home life, can wreak havoc on your body in many ways. You may develop headaches, stomach pains, sleep disturbance, and even what some refer to as a “stress belly.” These are all common physical results that occur after suffering from stress and anxiety.
What is stress belly? While it’s not an actual medical condition, it is a natural response to the hormones and brain chemicals that can go haywire during heightened stress and periods of anxiety. Behavioral changes, such as overeating, can lead to a bloated, seemingly larger stomach than usual.
The good news is that stress belly isn’t permanent, and there are many things that you can do on your own to combat the unpleasant side effect of your worries. Stress belly won’t last forever, but it can be embarrassing and unpleasant while it’s there. Sometimes, it can even add to the stress and anxiety you’re already experiencing.
If you’re interested in stomach fat removal, contact us today. Emerald Laser offers safe and effective procedures to reduce abdominal fat through a pain-free, non-invasive process. We use targeted lasers to beat stubborn fat cells and help your body eliminate them naturally.
Keep reading to learn more about stress belly, the possible causes, how to recognize the condition, and how to get rid of stress belly for good.
What Is Stress Belly?
So, work has been crazy lately. Family life is hectic, and you’re starting to feel the physical effects. You may feel tired or suffer from insomnia, and you may be gaining weight. This is often due to “stress eating.” Many people find comfort in their favorite foods and turn to them during heightened stress and anxiety. It’s understandable, as food can trigger feel-good chemicals to release in the brain, making us feel better, if only for a short period.
However, this type of stress eating can negatively impact your waistline. Just as your brain has feel-good chemicals that release when you eat your favorite foods, there are some not-so-feel-good chemicals, too. One of these is the hormone cortisol, which is responsible for the notorious “fight or flight response” in humans.
During times of stress and anxiety, cortisol levels naturally increase in the body. Unfortunately, this hormone is also associated with stubborn abdominal fat. In the case of a stress belly, your body is quite literally working against you. However, there are ways to fight back and eliminate stress belly once and for all.
How to Recognize Stress Belly
Not all belly fat is created equal. Cortisol induced stress belly has a distinct look and feel, making it easier to recognize and treat. You may also hear stress belly referred to as adrenal belly. This is because that pesky hormone cortisol is produced in your adrenal glands.
The adrenal glands are part of your endocrine system and release cortisol into your bloodstream. It then flows throughout your body and can lead to a specific appearance and feel in your abdominal area.
A stress belly will likely appear more “saggy” than the rest of the fat on your body. You may notice that your gut is now hanging over the waistband of your pants in a way it never did before. The fat will likely feel soft, perhaps looser than the fat you have elsewhere, and will look like it’s pulled down toward your feet.
Another signature sign of stress belly is that the weight gain may be unexplained at first. You may not necessarily associate stress levels with stomach fat; in fact, many associate having a stressed belly with a lack of appetite and weight loss when the very opposite is true.
Take a mental inventory if you start to notice a more prominent, sagging belly, especially without significant weight gain in other body areas. Is there anything causing you more anxiety than usual? Are you craving sweet or salty foods more often than usual? Are you experiencing a feeling of doom and gloom or uncertainty about the future? If this is the case, you may have a stress belly.
How to Get Rid of Stress Belly
Now that you have the answer to the common question of “what is stress belly?” you likely want to know what you can do to beat it and ensure that it doesn’t come back. Excess abdominal fat can have various effects, both physical and mental.
You may feel insecure about your stomach area, which doesn’t help relieve your stress levels. You may become more upset by the condition, leading to a vicious cycle. Additionally, excess stomach fat is linked to many illnesses and medical conditions, including heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.
Here’s how you can get rid of your stress belly.
1. Laser Stomach Fat Removal
Stomach fat is famous for being particularly stubborn and hard to banish. Laser stomach fat removal is an excellent solution when you feel that you’ve tried everything else or simply want an effective treatment method that’s sure to work. Laser fat removal specifically targets your abdominal area, busting up the fat cells and enabling your body to eliminate them naturally.
The method is painless, has no side effects, is entirely non-invasive, and, best of all, shows results. It takes several sessions to complete the process, and you should start seeing a reduction in stomach fat in just a few short weeks. No special diets or lifestyle changes are necessary. Laser Lipo is FDA market cleared, making it a go-to for many seeking fat-reduction procedures.
2. Eat Foods to Combat Cortisol
Knowing that cortisol levels directly correlate with stress belly is crucial information. Now that you know what causes stress belly, you can take active steps to prevent it and minimize the effects. It’s essential to address the elevated levels of cortisol in your body.
Of course, life will always come with some stress and anxiety. But there are things you can do to manage how much cortisol your body releases. Eating potassium-rich foods is a great way to achieve this, as cortisol can also cause your body to excrete the vital nutrient. Bananas, sweet potatoes, prunes, citrus fruits, and dark leafy greens are good options to turn to when experiencing stress.
3. Take Steps to Protect Your Mental Health
Another way to combat stress belly and high cortisol levels is to take steps to protect your mental health. Stress is a part of life. Pressures at home or on the job can have undesired effects on the mind and body. The gut-brain connection is real, potentially leading to stomach pain, discomfort, and even a cortisol belly. While anxiety and stress symptoms are unpleasant, unfortunately, sometimes there’s no avoiding it. However, there are things that you can do to slow down, gain control, and ward off the effects of stress and anxiety.
In addition to regular exercise and healthy eating, try methods such as deep breathing, meditation, and getting a full night’s sleep. You can also reduce your caffeine intake and ensure your body is getting an adequate amount of essential vitamins. Find a healthy outlet for your emotions, such as journaling, spending time in nature, or getting back to any old hobbies you may have put aside.
Say Goodbye to Stress Belly – Start Your Transformation Today!
For the quickest and most effective way to get rid of that stressed belly, schedule a consultation for laser stomach fat removal with the experts at Emerald Laser. We can help sculpt your stomach, allowing you to regain your confidence and love your belly again.
We’re here to answer all your questions regarding how to get rid of stress belly fast and help you set a realistic goal with laser fat removal. Find a provider near you today and get started on your journey to a flatter tummy.
