When was it Advantageous for our Ancestors to have Stress Slow Down their Metabolism? Is it helpful or harmful in our era?
When was it Advantageous for our Ancestors to have Stress Slow Down their Metabolism? Is it helpful or harmful in our era?
Recently, IDEA Fit’s Home Page had an article that discussed a study about how stress causes the metabolism to slow down and results in fat storage and weight gain. Surprisingly, this is not new news. In fact, through Darwinism, our cavemen and cavewomen ancestors needed this physical ability to help them survive some of the harshest conditions. Do you know why? Is this now a case where there is no application for this particle physical adaptation or perhaps it can still help some people in our world survive or even your every day joe, in the right circumstances. Maybe, instead of labeling stress as “bad”, we need to learn how to better manage our stress with all the pressure of society and utilize stress at the right time. What are your thought? How do you manage your stress in healthy coping ways?
Hello Alex Wisch,
The harder I try the harder it gets.
Our ancestors had many emergency situations and harsh weather to deal with where a slow metabolism kicks in for survival. There are cultures who still need and use that quality today: they are the people who live naturally, without technology and sedentary habits. They are also living in war and impoverished areas.
Generally, for the population today, we have a use for that quality but destroy the benefit with our sedentary lifestyle. With life being so much easier, that quality is not needed as often, which escalates our health risk when adding in immobility by choice.
This goes back to the harder I try, the harder it gets. Let go of trying to do everything and stick to the priorities of food, shelter and clothing. Otherwise, there is no time for leisure which leads to burnout, or rather, stress. By the way, leisure time does not include more technology; I am thinking active rest and the company of loved ones.
Take care,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.