236. Understanding Stress and Its Impact on Your Body
In the latest episode of "Metabolism, Muscles, and Mindset," host Ali Novitsky, MD, an obesity medicine doctor and fitness guru, delves into the intricate relationship between stress and health. This episode marks the beginning of a three-part series dedicated to understanding stress, its physiological impacts, and effective management strategies.
Introduction
Recent Travels and Conferences: Dr. Novitsky shares her recent experiences traveling to Dallas for the PIMD Con conference and Arizona for the Brave Enough conference. She highlights the topics she discussed, including optimal health for physicians and the impact of stress on health.
Series Overview: This episode is the first in a three-part series focused on stress. Dr. Novitsky outlines the upcoming episodes, which will cover the stress scale and finding one’s productivity and thrive zone.
Main Content
Stress Response Mechanism:
Hormonal Pathway: Dr. Novitsky explains the stress response starting from the hypothalamus releasing CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone), which triggers the pituitary gland to release ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). This cascade leads to the adrenal glands releasing adrenaline and cortisol.
Role of Cortisol: She discusses cortisol&\#x27;s role in increasing blood glucose levels and its potential to cause insulin resistance when stress is chronic.
Genetic Factors:
CRH Gene Variant: Approximately 30% of the population has a variant in the CRH gene, making them hyper-responsive to stress.
Impact on Weight Loss: High stress responders often face challenges with weight loss, and Dr. Novitsky emphasizes the importance of stress management over strict dietary controls for these individuals.
Stress Levels and Responses:
Types of Stress Responders: Dr. Novitsky categorizes stress responders into low, moderate, and high, explaining how each type reacts to stress.
Physiological Symptoms: She describes the physical manifestations of stress, such as increased heart rate, muscle tension, and tingling sensations.
Personal Anecdotes:
Empathetic Daughter: Dr. Novitsky shares a humorous story about her younger daughter, who often senses her stress and asks, "You good?"
Modeling Stress Management: She reflects on how observing her father, a physician, handle stressful situations helped her develop her own stress management tools.
Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy:
CBT and DBT: Dr. Novitsky touches on how these therapies address thought patterns, emotional regulation, and mindfulness, which are crucial for managing stress.
Conclusion:
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but it can be managed effectively. This episode focused on understanding the physiological response to stress and its impact on health.
Upcoming Episodes: The next episode will explore the stress scale and how to create it for better stress management. The final episode will focus on finding one&\#x27;s productivity and thrive zone in relation to stress.
Additional Resources:
Programs and Courses: Dr. Novitsky highlights various programs available, including beginner and advanced strength training, total fitness, and coach-led programs like nutrition training and the Transform® program.
Join Dr. Ali Novitsky in this enlightening episode as she unpacks the complexities of stress and provides valuable insights into managing it for better health and productivity. Stay tuned for the next episode, where the journey into understanding and managing stress continues.
Listen to Episode 236 Here
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Chapters
00:00:00 - Introduction and Episode Overview
00:00:11 - Recent Travels and Conferences
00:00:32 - Stress and Health: An Overview
00:00:53 - Upcoming Episodes Breakdown
00:01:04 - Episode 1: Stress and Your Body
00:01:35 - Episode 2: Understanding Your Stress Scale
00:01:57 - Episode 3: Finding Your Thrive Zone00:02:07 - Personal Story: Empathetic Daughter
00:02:50 - Impact of Stress on Others
00:03:21 - Ownership of Stress Response
00:03:42 - The Science of Stress Response
00:04:14 - Cortisol and Its Impact
00:05:08 - High Stress Responders and Weight Loss
00:06:03 - The Role of Cortisol in Blood Sugar Regulation
00:07:08 - Chronic Stress and Burnout
00:08:02 - Cortisol and Insulin Interaction
00:09:39 - Stress, Sleep, and Blood Sugar
00:10:41 - Stress Scale and Sleep Deprivation
00:11:14 - Types of Stress Responders
00:12:12 - Genetic Factors in Stress Response
00:13:02 - Tools for Managing Stress
00:14:17 - Personal Experience with Stress Modeling
00:15:10 - Managing Stress Productively
00:15:51 - Importance of Stress Management
00:16:02 - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Stress
00:16:24 - Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Stress
00:17:07 - Interpersonal Communication and Stress
00:17:49 - Recap and Episode 2 Preview
00:18:52 - Program Offerings and Conclusion
Resources:
The Fit Collective™ is an Affiliate with InBody, USA and Canadian divisions. Click HERE to receive a 15% discount off the H20 and H30 models. Please note, we do receive a small referral commission.
The Muscles & Mindset Beginner Strength Training Program - 12 months for only $199! Enroll TODAY.
Nutrition Training Program for Healthcare Professionals is enrolling now! You can learn more HERE.
Dr. Ali's Advanced Strength Training program is now available for exercises at a higher level. See the details HERE.
Optimal GLP-1 Weight Loss Program - next program starts November, 2024. Learn more and join the waitlist HERE.
Transform® 9.0 enrollment is now open! Get started with your bonus content today. Learn more HERE.
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*Ali Novitsky MD, this podcast, and podcast write-up are NOT providing medical advice. We do not recommend you start any exercise program without first consulting with your doctor!*
