Is Stress Affecting your Weight Loss or Muscle Building Program?

Dr. Tasreen Alibhai, N.D. — Dr. Tasreen Alibhai

I commonly hear many of my patients mentioning they are having a difficult time losing fat or gaining muscle even though they are working out very hard, lifting weights and eating very clean. The problem may be due to the amount of stress they are under. Specifically I am referring to Cortisol levels. Cortisol is one of the hormones released by the adrenal glands during times of stress. Chronic stress, Chronic worrying and even over training can result in too much cortisol being produced. Cortisol is a catabolic hormone; it breaks down muscle and decreases muscle growth. Balancing cortisol is essential to build or maintain muscle mass and lose fat.

Measuring cortisol is useful when undergoing any weight loss or training program. Balancing the adrenal hormones will not only improve your mood and energy. It will also improve your athletic performance, allowing your body to recover after exercise, increase lean muscle and lose fat.

If you feel like you have plateaued on your exercise program, feel fatigued after exercising or cannot increase lean muscle, I suggest getting your stress hormones checked (click here for sample Adrenocortex Stress Test).

At Vitalia Health Care, our Naturopathic Doctors are well trained and highly experienced in treating adrenal disorders. Nutrition guidance, correct supplementation and individualized intravenous vitamin therapies can quickly balance your cortisol and help your adrenals recover.
Schedule your appointment to learn more.

Yours in health,

Dr. Tasreen Alibhai, ND