STRESS

STRESS! Who can avoid it? No one! As our office is preparing to move our clinic to a new location very soon, the list of things to do seems to grow daily. I can even feel a flush of heat coming on as I type this thought. Since I can’t change the move, I must work on my adaptation process to the stressors of this move along with all the other things that come across my path daily. We’ve all heard that the early bird gets the worm, but I submit a new phrase: “The bird who remains calm in the fight for the worm will digest it properly, sleep well at night and remain in health”.

Those that are able to adapt to the stressors in their environment are the ones who will be more likely to live out an abundant life. We cannot change all of the stressors in our life so we must learn to adapt to those that are out of our control. Our neuroendocrine system (nervous system and endocrine system/ hormones) will signal changes in the body’s biochemistry with a fight or flight response. Short term stress, called acute, can actually have beneficial affects by strengthening the body’s response. But long term, or chronic, stress has the potential to effect various physical and psychological expressions.

6 parts of the body affected by stress

1. Digestion
2. Heart rate
3. Adrenal/thyroid glands
4. Sex hormones
5. Glucose metabolism
6. Respiratory function

6 Effects of stress:

1. Weight imbalance
2. Elevated blood pressure
3. High blood glucose/sugar/diabetic
4. High triglycerides
5. Elevated LDL cholesterol
6. Low HDL cholesterol

Richard L. Shames, MD, reported 43% of all adults suffer adverse effects due to stress. 75-90% of all visits to primary care physicians are in some way related to the adverse impact of psychosocial stress. He goes on to state the use of natural substances can support normalization of stress-induced biochemical and organ function changes and increase non-specific resistance to stress. Applied Nutrition Science Reports No. 576

6 Things that are contributing to stress:

1. Food additives and colors
2. Aspartame (artificial sweeteners)
3. Caffeine (over use)
4. Refined sugar excess
5. Electronics
6. Medication/Drugs

6 Anti-Stress Actions:

1. Belly Breathing
2. Take a short walk
3. Listen to music
4. Dance or sing
5. Laugh
6. Read the Bible or Inspirational Writings

“My soul, my soul! I am in anguish! Oh, my heart! My heart is pounding in me; I cannot be silent, because I have heard, O my soul, The sound of the trumpet, The alarm of war.” Jeremiah 4:19