7 Healthcast: Cluttered kitchen

If you're carrying some extra weight you might want to look at your kitchen, not the food that's in it, but the clutter. Some experts say clutter can lead to weight gain.

It may sound absurd, but a kitchen with papers everywhere, and junk stacked high on the countertops can actually increase your chances of putting on the pounds. A disorganized kitchen can cause undue stress.

"Stress induces the hormone cortisol. It's like a domino affect. Cortisol elevates your blood sugar levels, therefore insulin is produced to help regulate your blood sugar," said nutritional health counselor Donna Butler.

And that makes you hungry.

"Now at that time that's when you're ready to open up your refrigerator and look for anything that can give you instant gratification," Butler said.

Studies show that organizing your kitchen, cleaning out your closets, or tidying your office improve your health because they lowers the stress factor. Research also indicates that people who are controlled, methodical and disciplined do better with their diets.

Experts say the master bedroom is also an important area to keep free of clutter. In addition to losing weight, studies show getting rid of the clutter will also help improve your mood!

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