In the busy modern life, "overwork" has almost become the norm, working overtime late at night, stress, and the body and mind are in a constant state of stress. But have you noticed that as the pressure of work increases, the number on the scale is also quietly climbing? "Overwork" - a seemingly simple but in fact hidden complex physiological mechanism of the problem, is quietly affecting the health of each and every one of us.
It's not just about weight, it's a serious topic when it comes to our overall health. Long-term overwork not only affects our mental state, but also directly threatens our physical health, the most intuitive manifestation of which is weight gain. According to the Modern Medical Report, long-term psychological and physiological stress can lead to an imbalance in hormone levels, which in turn affects weight. There is also a saying in the ancient theory of traditional Chinese medicine: "Yang turns qi, yin is formed", pointing out that overwork and loss of "yang qi" lead to a decline in body function, and eventually manifest as obesity.
Overwork induces obesity: the secret decoding of the physiological chain
When we talk about the association between overwork and obesity, we are actually exploring a complex network of physiological responses involving hormonal imbalances, energy expenditure and accumulation, and the interaction of psychological stress. The following is based on independent research and existing science.
1. A vicious cycle of hormones
Overexertion causes the body to enter a state of stress, triggering an increase in cortisol levels in the body. The elevation of cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone, is closely related to increased appetite and fat accumulation. It prompts the body to reserve energy to cope with stress, but in modern life, this "reserve" often manifests itself as the accumulation of belly fat. In addition, long-term stress can interfere with insulin function, leading to abnormal glucose metabolism and making weight management difficult.
2. Slow metabolism: a negative cycle of energy
Overwork and mental stress not only affect our eating habits, but can also lead to a decrease in basal metabolic rate. The body's energy expenditure is reduced in a state of constant stress in order to protect itself, which means that even if you reduce your food intake, weight loss becomes more difficult. Long-term overexertion puts the body in an energy-saving mode, slowing down the efficiency of burning fat and exacerbating weight gain.
3. Psychological stress and dietary choices
Psychological studies have shown that prolonged work stress and lack of sleep can lead to increased cravings for high-calorie foods. People tend to seek out quick sources of energy, such as high-sugar, high-fat foods, which can provide relief in the short term but are the main culprits in weight gain in the long run.
TCM Perspective: Demystifying "Yang Qi and Yin Formation"
In TCM theory, the maintenance of good health depends on the balance of yin and yang. Yang energy represents vitality and motivation and is the basis for maintaining daily activities. Yin Qi, on the other hand, is the basis of the body's structure and fluids, including blood and fluids. When people overwork, it not only consumes yang energy, but also destroys the balance between yin and yang, resulting in a decline in body function, slowing down metabolism, and eventually leading to obesity.
Obesity caused by overwork is not only an increase in weight, but also a manifestation of the imbalance of yin and yang in the body. Excessive exertion, especially long-term mental stress and excessive thinking, consumes yang qi, which reduces the function of "yang qi" in the body and slows down the metabolic rate, thus causing the "yin formation" process to accumulate too much, which is manifested as the accumulation of fat and the increase in weight.
Conditioning method: comprehensively regulate the body and mind
1. Adjust your work and rest: return to the laws of nature
"Go to bed early and wake up early": Follow the laws of nature to restore yang energy in the body.
"Live slowly": reduce unnecessary social and work pressure, and maintain a calm mind.
2. Diet: Nourish the body with food
"Warm and replenish yang qi": Choose energy-rich foods, such as red dates and yams, to replenish and nourish yang qi and enhance yang qi.
"Yin and Yang Balanced Diet": Balanced intake of whole grains, meat and vegetarian combinations, avoid excessive greasy and cold foods, and maintain the balance of yin and yang.
3. Emotional conditioning: Mentality determines posture
"Calm the mind": Relieve mental stress through meditation, yoga or a simple walk.
"Optimism Heals": Maintain a positive and optimistic attitude to reduce the negative impact of mood swings on the body.
4. Traditional Chinese Medicine: Ancient methods to nourish the present body
"Acupuncture and moxibustion regulate qi": adjust the meridians of the human body through acupuncture and moxibustion, and promote the circulation of qi and blood.
"Medicinal diet nourishment": according to the individual's physique, the appropriate Chinese medicine diet is allowed, which not only regulates the physique, but also supplements nutrition.