Chronic stress also raises cortisol, which is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland and secreted into the bloodstream. Prolonged higher levels of cortisol alter its effectiveness to regulate inflammatory and immune responses. For these reasons, seeking help to find ways to reduce stress can improve your overall health. These biological problems are compounded if you cope with stress by eating. Studies show that people who have been dieting are especially vulnerable to overeating during stressful times. Stress becomes one more reason to “blow” the diet. Furthermore, dieting itself can
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