Address the Stress
What is stress? Debt, divorce, moving house and illness are some examples of serious stress. Less serious stressors include deadlines, getting stuck in a traffic jam, being shouted at, or watching a thriller/horror film.
The release of the stress hormones, adrenalin and cortisol, is controlled by a pair of specialised glands called the adrenals. The adrenals were called upon in our caveman days to help us run away from wild animals – for emergencies and the fight or flight mechanism. They were not designed to cope with modern stress which tends to be ongoing and constant. Modern stress can result in the adrenals swelling as they rev up the production of stress hormones and this can sometimes be felt as lower-mid back ache. But if the stress becomes chronic the adrenals eventually begin to tire; they shrink in size and can begin to atrophy.
Here’s a drawing of the adrenal gland sitting on top of the kidney. They may look small and insignificant but these glands are vital for our health and resilience.
Adrenal Fatigue – do you rely on sugar and caffeine to get you through the day?
Signs and symptoms of chronic stress or ‘adrenal fatigue’ include frequent infections, especially respiratory infection; fatigue and low energy that’s not relieved by sleep; systemic inflammation; increased allergies; muscle and/or joint pain; insomnia and a decreased feeling of well-being.
Stress affects people in different ways:
- Headaches
- Weight problems
- Digestive disorders
- Insomnia and depression
- Irritability and short temper
- Lack of energy and/or drowsiness during the day; exhaustion
- Lowered immunity, allergies
- An ‘all gone’ feeling mid afternoon
- Cravings, especially for sugar, salt, spicy food or alcohol
- Low libido
Addressing stress releases the energy that you need to enjoy your life. "Optimal adrenal health is one of the major keys to the enjoyment of life," James Wilson.
How can Nutritional Therapy Help?
Nutritional therapy can help you cope with stress by helping to regulate your blood sugar levels, which can result in better energy, and better sleep and better immune system function. Nutritional therapy works to pinpoint the food and nutrition to best support you – we are all different and have requirements for different amounts of nutrients. We can test and monitor your cortisol levels and adjust your nutrition programme accordingly as you progress.
What can you do about stress right away? Vitamin C is stored in small amounts in the adrenals because it is vital to their function. You can support your adrenals by giving them the raw materials that they need, like vitamin C, B vitamins and magnesium. You can cut down on the stimulants and sugar which add to adrenal stress. You can increase magnesium-rich foods in your diet: green vegetables, nuts and seeds - magnesium is excreted by stress but it’s vital for relaxation.
Recommended reading: Adrenal Fatigue, the 21st Century Stress Syndrome by James Wilson
