Nourishing Nutrients for S-T-R-E-S-S
By Alison Held
During
stressful times, our bodies may suffer if not adequately supported with good
food and supplementation. When we’re
stressed out we forget to consume water and instead reach for caffeine. The increased consumption of caffeine may
lead poor sleep, inability to concentrate and even more stress. We eat in a mindless fashion under stress and
the foods consumed are often of low quality. It
is also common for the stressed out to forget to eat because they are so
consumed with their own particular stressful situation.
The stress hormone
called cortisol may contribute to us reaching for foods higher in sugar, salt
and even fat. Comfort foods reign when
we are under stress yet they may not serve the body’s highest good. Our bodies are robbed of key nutrients
during and after stress that impact the production of energy and proper
functioning. Blood sugar levels may go
haywire leading to adrenal fatigue, upsets, hyperglycemia and difficulty
concentrating. Not to mention we’ll be
more susceptible to the common cold and flu due to lowered immunity.
There is no
way to absolutely avoid stress. Some are
better at naturally managing it but most are suffering long term
consequences. Important minerals and
vitamins are lacking and stress continues to be at the forefront of one’s life. One suggestion is to get vitamin levels
tested to determine what nutrients are missing – this alone will give you clues as to how to overcome your nutrient deficiencies. When we are supported with key vitamins and
minerals, we have more energy to tackle hard decisions during stressful
times. We also sleep better and this
will assist with cell turnover and healing. If we’re lacking nutrients, we feel it and unfortunately we are
typically bombarded with more stress b/c we naturally tend towards reactivity instead of living a more proactive life. Healthful Direction
works with patients to figure out what nutrients are missing and then
re-balance the system so that it supports your life and health.
Stress management techniques like yoga, breathing, meditation, journaling, 5 minute walks to ‘get out’ of your head, and laughter are other important ways of nourishment. Most of us do not think ahead and when we’re under stress it is too impossible to let go to partake in one of these activities. Therefore it is time to find someone to support you in making these daily activities into your life.
Eating a nutrient rich diet is probably the
best way to start reducing your stress load. In fact there was a recent study published in the British Medical
Journal that found if you eat well, you will be healthier and richer. Financial hardships seem to be one of the
biggest stress triggers in
© Healthful Direction, 2008