Did you know that lack of sleep can put your body into oxidative stress, which contributes to increased fatigue and weight gain? 😱
⁉️ What the heck is oxidative stress and how can I get rid of it??!!
Oxidative stress is like rust on a car. Just like metal starts to break down and get damaged when it's exposed to oxygen and moisture for too long, the cells in your body can also wear down over time.
Your body naturally produces "free radicals", which are like little sparks flying around. These sparks are normal byproducts of things like digesting food, exercising, and dealing with stress.
Normally, your body has antioxidants, which act like a fire extinguisher, keeping the sparks from doing damage.
But if the sparks (free radicals) get out of control - because of things like poor sleep, high stress, or unhealthy eating - your fire extinguisher (antioxidants) can’t keep up.
When that happens, you get oxidative stress - and just like rust on a car, your cells start to wear down and become less efficient over time.
How this affects your body:
It makes you tired because your cells aren’t working at full power.
It causes inflammation, which makes it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it.
Over time, it can contribute to chronic health issues like heart disease, diabetes, or aging-related problems.
Estrogen is also an antioxidant, so as you age and levels drop, it worsens oxidative stress in your body.
This creates a vicious cycle: poor sleep leads to oxidative stress, which contributes to fatigue and weight gain - making it harder to maintain the healthy habits needed to reverse the effects.
The good news:
The "rust" isn’t permanent! By improving sleep, reducing stress and eating antioxidant-rich foods (like berries and veggies), you can help your body get back into balance, keeping those free radicals under control and your cells functioning smoothly.
Tips to break the cycle:
Prioritize sleep hygiene: Stick to a consistent bedtime, avoid screens and keep the bedroom cool.
Incorporate antioxidants: Eat foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens and nuts.
Manage cortisol levels: Try stress-reducing practices like meditation, yoga or journaling.
Exercise wisely: Engage in regular physical activity but avoid strenuous workouts too close to bedtime.
By focusing on improving sleep, you can reduce oxidative stress, experience more consistent energy levels and see better progress in your weight loss and wellness goals.
Comments