Lifetime Health Weight Loss clients are well aware of the multiple benefits of DHEA, which range from increased energy and reduced heart disease risk to greater fat loss and better immune function. DHEA has also been shown to improve mood and reduce belly fat.

How does it reduce belly fat – and fat in general? It does this by helping to reduce the stress hormone cortisol. Many of us have experienced an increase in what it is termed “emotional eating” when we are stressed. We may have also noticed that we do not sleep as well when we are stressed. Both of these experiences often lead to increase in belly fat.

Aging and Cortisol.

A third reason for increased belly fat — and an increase in weight overall — is aging. Cortisol, a naturally occurring hormone, is one of the few hormones whose levels in the body increase with age. This increase in cortisol can lead to potentially damaging consequences that have been linked to depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and other maladies.. An increase in cortisol can also lead to weight gain. DHEA, on the other hand, like most beneficial hormones, decreases with age.

Note: A low level of cortisol, or “cortisol resistance”, can lead to adrenal fatigue. Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include a very low energy, loss of motivation and poor sleep quality.

A Critical Aspect of Lowering Belly Fat: Decrease Cortisol and Increase DHEA.

*DHEA has been shown to be a repair hormone. When cortisol goes up, DHEA typically goes down. Both are produced in the adrenal glands. This imbalance can lead to adrenal fatigue. It can also lead to weight gain, particularly around the middle. Adding DHEA to your hormone program and/or weight loss program can provide many benefits, including decreased cortisol and decreased fat.

Lab Tests:

At Lifetime Health Weight Loss, we always recommend a lab test to determine your levels of DHEA. We also recommend a 24 hour cortisol test to check your stress levels. There is no reason to “guess” about your health or to self-medicate.

Further, since DHEA is a hormone, we recommend the prescription form of DHEA and follow-up labs to determine how effectively your body is responding to the treatment

For more information on DHEA, and Cortisol, visit www.lifetimehealthweightloss.com.

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