5 Disgusting Symptoms of Stress

Posted by Healthy Bitch Daily on Feb 4, 2013

You're a clean eater, a deep breather, a yoga do-er and a follow-your-passion kinda gal. 

Yet you still find yourself flipping off strangers in traffic or drop-kicking the cat when it shits all over the floor again (just kidding, you're a vegan). Better chill the freak out, honey, because stress could be raining on your parade in more ways than one. Here are five ways stress hits below the belt:

1. Hell Hormone

You’ve no doubt heard of cortisol, right? Well, this little chemical is the bane of a modern girl's existence, and  it could be making your life a living hell. Cortisol is a hormone (yes, more hormone troubles) that's secreted during times of stress. And it is the reason why you turn to food for comfort. And here's another ugly truth about cortisol: it’s gonna make you fat even if you manage to control those cravings. It loves to get you right in the middle--of your belly, lower abdomen and waist, that is. And as long as you let stress control your life, all the ab work in the world won’t help. You’re fucked.

2. Sleep? What Sleep?

During times of stress do you ever have trouble sleeping? Does your brain have trouble shutting down? It’s called hyperarousal--and I’m not talking about the good kind. This kind sucks. It’s keeping you awake. And even if you are sleeping, you are not at all getting a rejuvenating sleep. And it’s being caused by stress.

3. A Hairy Situation

Finding bigger and bigger clumps of hair in your shower drain? Yep-stress! Chances are pretty good here that your hair is falling out because of the toll your internal state is taking on your external, uh, head. For a fun read, check out these three types of hair loss that are caused by stress.

4. Rumble, Rumble

Tummy troubles? Ding ding ding! Stress again! Stress is going to make it very difficult to digest food, causing gas and cramping. It's gross and should not be happening at all, much less at the office or in public, or, God forbid, on a date. So if you find yourself craving and eating every carb, fat and sugar you can get your hands on (and it’s not that time of the month) then it’s probably stress. Pay attention to the signs sister.

5. Holy Zit! What is That on Your Face? 

Again--stress is absolutely wreaking havoc on your mug. No matter how old you are, no matter how good your skin care regimen is, and even if you haven’t been stuffing your face with cake, chances are you will still break out. Seriously, stress is an asshole.

Now here is the good news: You can do something about it.  Ladies, listen to your bodies. Acknowledge the stress. It’s not just a word. It’s not
just a phrase to use in passing. It is real and it's having a negative impact on every single part of your body. Do something about it now. And in the meantime, here is a great list of stress fighting foods.

Go eat. Have sex. Get a massage. Calm down, mmkay?

Have a good lentil recipe/favorite way to cook? Tell us in the comments section below!
Emily Harrison, Guest BloggerEmily Harrison holds a B.A. in English Literature from Roger Williams University, and is currently working towards her Master’s degree in Holistic Nutrition with the University of Natural Health. Originally from Rhode Island, Emily currently calls St. Louis home where she spends her time playing with her three rescue dogs and writing screenplays. She is, however, making her way to Austin, Texas where she will start her business as a holistic sports nutrition consultant, continue writing screenplays and of course, write for HBD.