One of the most basic tasks that we perform on a daily basis is sitting down to have a healthy, well-balanced meal to replenish our mind and body. If you’re anything like me, you probably eat in a hurry and move on to the next duty to be fulfilled. As common as this is in our busy world, the benefits of taking time to sit down, relax and enjoy a meal are well worth the extra time.
It is imperative to be in a state of relaxation in order to digest food properly. High stress levels not only prevent the parasympathetic nervous system from functioning properly (and therefore drastically reducing the efficiency of the digestive process), but increased stress has also been linked to lower levels of testosterone and growth hormone in men. Increased stress levels have also been correlated to elevations in cortisol, which according to the American Medical Association, can lead to over 80 diseases (1, 2). Increases in cortisol create an inability to utilize carbohydrates and fats properly; but more importantly, elevated cortisol levels result in undue hunger. . . which leads to overeating.
One of the primary responses the body has to food is the production of dopamine (the happy neurotransmitter). As the stress in our lives leads to increased cortisol and decreased dopamine, the digestive system struggles to absorb the necessary nutrients. The drive to satisfy the brain with a supply of dopamine then leads to the urge to eat more than we actually need (stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system), and fat begins to accumulate (often in the places we don’t want it). The end result is unwanted weight gain as well as potential health risks associated with the hormonal imbalance.
There are several ways to combat this cascade of events; the first and simplest of which is to take a break from the rush of life when having a meal. This allows the body to absorb the nutrients from a meal more efficiently and gives time for the feelings of satiety (feeling full) to set in and prevent over-indulgence. The second is to seek chiropractic care. Maintaining a healthy neurological system is very important because it is the driving force behind every living cell in the body. The most effective way to do this is to get adjusted BY A CHIROPRACTOR. There is no substitute for the specific care provided by a professional D.C. The brain controls every function in the body, and the communication between the brain and the body is transmitted through the spinal cord (which is protected by the spine), to the body, and eventually back to the brain. If there is interference in the communication between the brain and the body, we see malfunction.
Moral of the story. . . take time to relax when eating, and take care of your spine!
Sources:
2) Rosmond, Roland. "Stress-Related Cortisol Secretion in Men: Relationships with Abdominal Obesity and Endocrine, Metabolic and Hemodynamic Abnormalities1." JCEM 86.6 (1998). Print.
