If you’ve reached a weight loss plateau, fix your sleep

Published on: 24 July 2017 Last Updated on: 11 September 2024
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Trying to lose weight but it’s not working?

Yes, we understand your frustration. You are just zeroing into what exactly is hampering your weight loss, but all in vain. You are doing all the right workouts and you are following a strict diet. Then what’s going wrong?!

It is natural and obvious to blame your workout regime or your diet. But sometimes, none of them are real issues.girl-asleep-middle-of-workout

 

While you are busy choosing between following a new work out session and changing your diet, you probably don’t give a second thought to the most crucial part of the day- sleep!

And you’re not the only one; many fail to understand the importance of sleep.

It is the key that boosts your reward for the diet and fitness efforts. It’s almost too easy to relate and connect the dots, considering the statistic for obesity and those who suffer from sleep deprivation.

So what happens when you get less sleep?

When you have had a bad night of sleep, you tend to wake up exhausted, dazed and a little grumpy. The truth is that apart from your body and brain, it is also your fat cells that respond in a similar way. When deprived of sleep, you suffer from “metabolic grogginess.”

The hormones that control your fat cells may respond aggressively when you are sleep deprived. Your body’s ability to use insulin (the master storage hormone) declines drastically and eventually gets disrupted.

Fat cells start removing the fatty acids and lipids from your bloodstream and prevent storage when insulin stops functioning. The fats start to circulate in your blood and pump out more insulin.

The excess insulin starts storing all the fat and that too in all the wrong places. This means fat gets accumulated in tissues like your liver. This is how you tend to become fat and get diabetes.

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Take your time to do the research and find more detailed advice on crafting a smart, healthy sleep regimen, from choosing a good mattress to organizing around your sleep needs (our favorite source of sleep tips, reviews and tips is TheSleepStudies.com).

If you are tired, you are going to start craving for more food!

Your hunger is controlled by two major hormones; leptin (produced in your fat cells) and ghrelin.

If your body produces less leptin, the more likely your stomach will feel empty. And the more ghrelin your body produces, your more a subjective feeling of hunger will be simulated. This happens although you would be trying to increase the number of calories you burn.

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So, in turn, this increases the fat that is stored in your body. Sleep deprivation makes it impossible for you to control the leptin and ghrelin production in your body.

Also, when you don’t get enough sleep, the cortisol levels rise in your body. And you already know that the loss of sleep causes your body to produce more ghrelin. A deadly combination of high ghrelin and cortisol levels shuts down those parts of your brain that make you feel full and satisfied after a meal. This means you will be hungry all the time!

More injury, the more rest you need

Your reflexes also take a toll when you are sleep deprived. Your judgment is impaired and you may not be responding as accurately as you should be. And this can be extremely dangerous especially if you are dealing with heavyweight items.

Keep in mind that your body needs sufficient time to rest so that the cells can be regenerated and repaired.

So, now you know what to change- your sleep pattern!

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Is There Such Thing As A Functioning Alcoholic?

Is There Such Thing As A Functioning Alcoholic?

You might have heard the term “functioning alcoholic” and wondered what it even means. Then you might be searching the meaning of the term and what it means to be a functional alcoholic. Then let's throw some light on the meaning of functioning alcoholic for your better understanding. We often relate alcoholism with people who are addicted and unable to function properly in their lives. This stereotype of alcoholic individuals seems to be not accurate. This is because several individuals who are alcoholics seem to function properly and deal with their daily tasks properly. If this is the case then why are these individuals living a regular life while being alcoholic? While other groups of alcoholic people are addicted to alcohol but cannot function properly because of their addiction. Therefore in this article, we not only discuss what is a functioning alcoholic but also how they differ from those with more visible signs of alcohol dependency. Perception About Individuals Battling Addiction Your concept or perception of an alcoholic will change when you learn how a functioning alcoholic person works. They are capable of living or maintaining a normal life while battling alcohol addiction. At one glance you might not even know this person might be alcoholic as they are capable of doing all their daily duties smoothly. Therefore, why was this term created which means someone who is functioning even when dealing with addiction? This challenges the common stereotype of an alcoholic person who lives an undisciplined and disheveled life. The term “functioning alcoholic” could be used to describe a person’s condition but it is not officially recognized. In the field of psychiatry, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) doesn't recognize this term officially. However, several professionals use this term to describe a specific alcoholic person's condition. So understanding the phenomenon of the functioning alcoholic is important as it helps identify people who are going through this hardship. When you recognize a functional alcoholic you can help them get the right treatment which will get them better. More often than not, functioning alcoholics hide their struggles with addiction while maintaining a normal facade. So, it becomes harder for you to recognize them and get them correctly diagnosed. Therefore you must read this article to know how to identify a functioning alcoholic. So that you can help them get the right treatment for recovery. What Is A Functioning Alcoholic? A functioning alcoholic is someone who appears to live a normal life while dealing with alcohol addiction. These individuals you will observe can do all the regular tasks and maintain a lifestyle without alcohol overriding their lives. Even being addicted to alcohol they can hold down a job and fulfill family obligations. Not only that they can excel in some areas of their lives without alcohol overriding their entire life. Therefore, it becomes hard for you to identify these individuals who look perfectly normal from the outside while dealing with addiction. These individuals know how to keep their professional and social lives separate from their addiction. You see, functional alcoholics are aware of their alcoholic addiction which helps them hide it easily. They become skilled at hiding their shortcomings from the world. However, this addiction of a functioning alcoholic does not affect anyone other than themselves. It does affect their own lives if kept unchecked in the long run. As they continue to hide their struggle with alcohol it becomes much more troublesome as time goes on. Functioning Alcoholics Live In The Grey Area Of Addiction A functioning alcoholic lives in the grey area of addiction where addiction coexists with competence. While they are functioning like a regular individual they also hide their addiction from their friends, family, or colleagues. So, they operate much more separately than an alcoholic consumed with addiction and a normal non-alcoholic. So how will you recognize a functioning alcoholic when they are living just like any ordinary person? You see functioning alcoholics often rationalize their drinking habits as rewards for their accomplishments. So, if they can get their work done they reward themselves. Again if they do their duty towards their family they would reward themselves with a drink. Again their coping mechanism of dealing with the stress of daily responsibilities is through alcohol. So when they accomplish their responsibilities day-to-day they reward themselves with alcohol. But this facade of normalcy is fragile as they become more dependent on alcohol over time. As they start to deal with life problems with alcohol, this results in psychological issues. Maintaining a long-term facade of alcohol addiction is not the only problem a functional alcoholic faces but health problems too. High Functioning Alcoholism vs. Traditional Alcohol Use Disorder Traditionally you could identify an alcoholic person from their visible signs of dysfunctions. These dysfunctional problems were frequent performance issues, relationship problems, and deteriorating health. In contrast, high-functioning alcoholics may lead seemingly successful lives, masking their dependency behind a façade of competence. They may hold prestigious positions, maintain social connections, and even drink expensive wine without raising suspicion. Despite their ability to keep up appearances, high-functioning alcoholics often deal with a significant internal struggle. They might spend considerable effort hiding the extent of their drinking from others and themselves. This can involve elaborate routines to cover up the smell of alcohol and secret drinking sessions. Again a functional alcoholic persistently worries about being discovered because of their addiction. You will see that the stress of maintaining a double life can be extremely problematic in the long run. In the long-term, this coping mechanism with alcohol can only affect negatively both physically and mentally. Along with the stress of hiding addiction with alcohol and dealing with life’s problems a functioning alcoholic is bound to break down at some point. This will lead to their worst fear of revealing their true nature. It's this dual existence that differentiates high-functioning alcoholism from other overt alcohol use disorders. Other alcohol disorders are more visible due to their impact on an individual's life. Recognizing The Signs Of Alcohol Abuse There are significant risks to being a functional alcoholic despite its outward appearance. Because their pattern of drinking can be more than seven drinks per week. This leads to health risks in the long term. Again continuous dependence on alcohol to deal with life can have adverse effects on the person’s psychology. From binge drinking episodes to the inability to stop drinking despite its negative consequences can be some of the recognized risks of alcohol addiction. They may also experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit or cut back on alcohol consumption. Recognizing signs of a high-functioning alcoholic can be challenging as they are good at hiding their addiction. Therefore, it's essential to identify these individuals and get them diagnosed correctly and get these individuals treated. It's important to note that these behaviors can be subtle and easily overlooked, especially when the individual is still managing to fulfill their personal and professional obligations. Over time you will see that the consequences of high-functioning alcoholism become visible. Be it strained relationships, personality changes, mental health issues, and physical health problems related to alcohol abuse. You will start to see its effects on a functional alcoholic. Risk Factors And Consequences Certain factors can increase the likelihood of high-functioning alcoholism, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and untreated mental health issues. While they may avoid some of the immediate consequences associated with traditional alcoholism, such as job loss or legal troubles, high-functioning alcoholics are still at risk for severe health problems, including certain cancers and mental health issues. These health problems can include liver disease, heart disease, and neurological impairments that may not become evident until later in life. The psychological consequences are equally concerning, potentially leading to depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders that can deteriorate the quality of life. Moreover, high-functioning alcoholics may face social consequences over time, such as eroded trust in relationships, marital strife, and a gradual withdrawal from social activities as they prioritize alcohol over personal connections. Despite maintaining a veneer of normalcy, the cumulative effect of these risk factors and consequences can lead to a tipping point where the individual's ability to function at a high level is compromised. It is crucial to recognize these long-term risks and understand that the lack of immediate, visible consequences does not diminish the urgency for intervention and treatment. Seeking Support And Treatment For The High Functioning Alcoholic Addressing high-functioning alcoholism requires a comprehensive approach involving medical professionals, support groups, and rehab centers in Los Angeles, specializing in addiction medicine. 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Once the individual acknowledges the need for help, the next step involves finding the right treatment program. Treatment can range from outpatient therapy sessions that accommodate the individual's work schedule. Or a more intensive inpatient program where you will be required to take a temporary step back from daily responsibilities. The choice of treatment should be tailored to the individual's specific circumstances, taking into account their level of addiction, personal responsibilities, and the presence of any co-occurring mental health conditions. Throughout the recovery journey, ongoing support is essential for maintaining sobriety. Aftercare programs and sober living communities offer continued guidance and support, helping the individual to reintegrate into their daily life with new coping skills and a renewed focus on health and wellness. Support And Treatment Facilities Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous provide a vital lifeline for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorders, offering a sense of community and understanding. These groups facilitate peer-to-peer support and shared experiences, creating a space where individuals can speak openly about their struggles without fear of judgment. Treatment facilities offer residential treatment or outpatient tailored programs designed to address the unique needs of high-functioning alcoholics, providing medical supervision during the withdrawal process and equipping them with coping strategies for maintaining sobriety. These facilities often employ a multidisciplinary approach, combining medical treatment, psychological counseling, and behavioral therapy to address the complex nature of addiction. The programs may include individual therapy sessions, group therapy, educational workshops on addiction, and relapse prevention planning. In addition to traditional treatment methods, some facilities offer holistic therapies such as meditation, yoga, and art therapy, recognizing the importance of treating the whole person. The Importance Of Mental Health Resources Recognizing that alcoholism is not solely a physical dependency but also a mental health problem is crucial. Access to more mental health resources, including therapy and counseling, can help individuals address underlying issues contributing to their alcohol use and develop healthier coping mechanisms. These resources are vital in treating the emotional and psychological aspects of alcoholism, which often include stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders that may co-occur with substance abuse. By providing a supportive environment for open discussion about mental health, individuals can gain insights into the emotional triggers that lead to drinking and learn new strategies for managing these triggers. 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With the right resources and support systems, you can improve functioning alcoholic individuals to live a life free from alcohol. You can find them the help they need to recover from alcohol dependency. Therefore you need to know about functional alcoholism and identify functional alcoholic individuals. Read Also: 10 Reasons To Stop Drinking Alcohol Today Can Vaping Really Help You Kick Your Smoking Habit? The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Non-Alcoholic Spirits Famous Alcoholics And The Symptoms Of Their Addiction

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Vein Doctor Diana Wilsher Discusses Vitamins That Can Help You With Varicose Veins

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Fitness Stomach

Crucial Tips to Getting a Flat Stomach

No one likes a sagging belly. Even pregnant ladies sometimes complain about their sagging bellies only that they do not have an option. Most men want to have that six pack and ladies as well want to feel sexy all the time with their flat bellies. Sagging stomachs are caused by the accumulation of fats in the underlying stomach tissues as well as other organs near the stomach such as the liver. Many people have been struggling to lose this fat to no success. Different techniques, pills, supplements among others have been invented but none seems to be working. This has left many people with no alternative but remain with their ‘big bellies' despite how bad looking they are. This article aims at giving you essential tips on how you should lose your belly fat and have a flat stomach with ease. Essential Tips 1. Eat the right diet Diet is very crucial when it comes to getting a flat stomach. Different eating habits that many people have adopted have exposed them to health hazards such as belly fat accumulation. There are essential tips which you should keep in mind as far as diet is concerned. Ensure you sleep two to three hours from your last meal. This is a simple rule that many people tend to ignore. However, it is quite essential. In many cases, people take their supper and immediately go to sleep. During sleep, the rate of metabolism is slow as compared to the day. Therefore, giving yourself a few hours before sleeping after your meal give the body an allowance to metabolize the consumed food. 2. Stick to a healthy diet Flat tummy requires strictly a special diet. These include; whole grains, fruits, vegetables and other less fatty foods. Avoid junk foods like chips and candy and you will definitely have a flat tummy. Eat lots of lean proteins such as nuts, beans, and lean meat. Also, consume more of whole grains, low-fat dairy products and reduce your sodium intake. Conduct a research on the different type of food that you take which are likely to affect the size of your belly. List them against their replacements and slowly start shifting from bad to good eating habits. 3. Reduce on Quantity Avoid eating too much food on a daily basis. Instead, concentrate on quality rather than quantity. Many people, eat much food with little nutritional value to their body. Ensure that your dish has balanced diet before sitting to eat. Analyze what you eat on a daily basis and as well evaluate and eliminate bad eating habits. The key point is to concentrate on the quality of food rather than its quantity.  Chew slowly and thoroughly to avoid from bloating and getting a lot of gas in your stomach. Also, take some time intervals before bites to ensure that foods easily moves along your digestive system. You can as well take seeds and nuts which easily fills up your stomach reducing the amount of food you take. 4. Reduce on sugary substances You should be very cautious when taking artificial sweeteners. Scientific research shows that different kind of artificial sweeteners triggers hunger tempting you to eat a lot of food. This results in the accumulation of fats in your belly hence altering the size of your stomach. They also reduce your insulin levels in the body. In place, you can decide to be drinking lots of water which will significantly or join mike Geary program fat burning kitchen help you get a flat stomach. Water, for instance, aids the process of metabolism. Drinking a lot of water also fills up your stomach thus reducing the amount of food you consume. 5. Engage in weight training This is a common behavior to men. However, many women have enrolled in weight training programs in different parts of the world. In order to get a flat stomach, enroll weight training exercises that target abdominal muscles like crunches. However, do this under the instructions of a trainer. Many people who have independently engaged in weight training ends up hurting themselves. 6. Reduce on your sodium Intake Bloating can be another hindrance to a flat stomach. Therefore, to avoid bloating, reduce the amount of sodium you consume. In place, increase you water intake. Ensure you read the labels in different types of foods that you consume. This will help you monitor the amount of sodium that you take. In case you doubt, the reading from the labels, let health experts conduct a mineral analysis on the particular food for you. Limiting the amount of sodium also drastically reduces body water retention capacity hence making you lean as well as giving you a flat stomach. These guidelines will definitely give you a flat stomach. Avoid some unclear means provided by ‘experts’ on ways to get a flat stomach to be on the safe side. However, do not disregard essential information on ways to get flat tummies from other articles.

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