Our nervous system is the most complex of our body systems. Our entire body relys on messages to be sent around the entire body so that it can run smoothly. We never have to really think about breathing, eating, sleeping, thinking, movement etc but our nervous system controls it all.
Any long or short term stressful situation can cause imbalance in our body. Our digestion can slow down, our hormonal levels can change and our body can be in a state of hyperstimulation similar to when we experience shock. Managing stress is a key point to maintaining health.
Nutritionally make sure that you eat regular meals and try not to graze. Often time seems to be against us and we forget to eat or grab something close by that causes our body sugars to spike and drop. This is why we can feel that 3pm drop in energy. When the body is running on empty the brain will send messages that our glucose levels have dropped and we may crave the wrong foods such as sweets, biscuits, white bread etc, this will give us a quick fix but in the long wrong cause havoc with the blood sugar. Making sure you have a good breakfast with oats, fibre, fruit or protein such as grain bread with poached eggs can stabilise this and provide the energy we need for longer. Fibre is hugely necessary to slow sugar release down.
Make sure you always have some healthy snacks so that you can eat during morning tea and afternoon tea times. Almonds mixed with sunflower seeds and raisins is a great snack, fruit, or rice crackers and hummus.
Don’t eat too late, under stress our digestion can slow down considerably and weight gain or loss of appetite can cause use to upset our intake of nutrients. Protein is very important to the diet but it is the food group which can take the longest to break down. Therefore reflux, digestive upsets and weight fluctuations can be a typical signs I see in the clinic when people are stressed. Altered hormone levels can increase PMT and Menopausal symptoms too.
Make sure you get enough sleep. This can be difficult during stress as the mind does not wish to sleep and the adrenal glands are still firing adrenaline and cortisol at the time we need our body to relax.
Here are some bullet points. Thing you can take to address stress in the body.
Sleep disorders – 5HTP and Magnesium
Nervous system relaxants such as Chamomile, Skull Cap, Valerian, Magnesium and 5HTP again.
Adrenal Gland support – Dr. Christophers Adrenal Formula or Vitalise 7-AS
Magnesium, Calcium, Zinc and B vitamins and Co-Enzyme Q10.
These supplements for the adrenal glands are especially important to help the body keep up with demands it is put under during stress. B Vitamins, Zinc and Magnesium can also assist in hormonal balances and energy production too.
Remember using aromatherapy oils in the home can have a very relaxing effect on the environment. Lavender, Chamomile and Orange oil are all very uplifting and yet calming. You can use the oils to massage, bathe, or burn in a diffuser.
Some form of simple exercise every day can be very important to stress management and assist in the breathing patterns. Many people find they hold there breathe during stress and breathing exercises can be very useful here to ensure adequate oxygen intake and optimal carbon dioxide release from the body. The balance of these gases is essentially to health. Every cell requires oxygen to survive.
Fish oils are great for brain function and depression. Omega 3 capsules have a huge array of health benefits but one area is in the treatment of ADD, mild depression and concentration and brain function.
Remember to try and make some time available to yourself to be quiet, socialise, read, walk, go to a movie, meditate or exercise. Whatever suits your circumstances and personality will assist you in managing stress.
Tracy Harris
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