Crying is a natural human behavior. It helps us express our emotions and connect with others. However, this same behavior can have serious weight loss implications! Let’s explore the link between crying and weight loss shall we?
Crying Linked To Vigorous Exercise
According to a recent study conducted at the University of Cambridge, crying helps us exercise more than usual. After observing human participants, the researchers determined that when people cry, they experience an “endogenous opioid release” that makes them feel more energetic and driven to exercise. In the study, the participants were either deliberately provoked into crying or naturally shed a tear or two during the experiment.
What is more is that this same opioid release was linked to a rise in the participants’ heart rates and blood pressure. The researchers propose that this is because the hormone, adrenaline, is also released during crying, which increases the heart rate and blood pressure. Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing really depends on how you look at it. On the one hand, you have to admit that it can’t hurt to exercise more than usual! On the other hand, when your heart rate and blood pressure are increased due to exercise, you are at greater risk of having a heart attack or stroke. So, it’s really a matter of personal preference whether or not you want to engage in this type of exercise after a good cry. It’s also important to note that the participants in this study were all adults, and that this type of reaction may be different in children.
Crying Boosts Your Metabolism
Another interesting discovery made by the researchers from Cambridge is that crying boosts your metabolism. The participants in the study who were deliberately provoked into tears had higher levels of glucose in their blood than those who cried naturally or were made to fake cry. What is more is that the glucose levels in the blood of the fakers actually increased, despite the fact that they were trying to suppress their emotional displays.
The researchers propose that this is because when we are in a position of emotional distress or pain, our bodies release adrenaline and cortisol, which increase our metabolism. While this may be beneficial in the short-term in terms of shedding off those extra pounds, it can also have dangerous implications for those who are already struggling with diabetes or hypoglycemia. So, again, it’s a matter of personal preference whether or not you want to engage in this type of exercise after a good cry.
Whether or not you believe that crying helps you lose weight, it’s clear that it has numerous benefits. Not only does it help you exercise, sleep, and reduce stress, but it also makes you feel happier and more comfortable in your body. So, while we may not always want to admit it, crying can be very healthy!