by Michael
Schwartz, Mind-Body Nutritional Consultant
Anxiety and stress are natural components of our
daily lives, but holiday preparations or other special events can intensify
these to unhealthy levels. When managed properly, anxiety and stress can
provide a healthy dose of motivation and may lead to creative expression. However,
when left un-checked and uncontrolled, the effects can be disruptive to our
daily lives, especially our health.
When we
lose perspective on simple stress, then impatience, irritability, lack
of concentration or nervous exhaustion may manifest. It can take a physical
toll on our bodies, as well. Muscle fatigue, physical exhaustion and
indigestion are just some of the side effects of unmanaged stress.
The external
causes of stress can be due to a multitude of reasons. The problem is
not so much the stress, but how we deal with it intellectually and how our
bodies are able to deal with it physically. Our body’s ability to deal with and
counter the effects of stress can be compromised by a poor diet, a lack of
exercise, poor self-esteem, an imbalance of nutrients and, as silly as it may
sound, a lack of laughter in our lives.
Stress is a health disruptor. Everyone knows
that stress is detrimental to health. However, not everyone knows exactly how
stress destroys health in multiple ways.
Most are familiar with the understanding that
stress affects the adrenal glands. In fact, the adrenal glands are considered
the stress center of the body. When you are stressed, your minerals, such as
calcium, magnesium and zinc, are compromised. When this occurs you raise blood
pressure, increase water retention and may not be able to manufacture whole and
complete insulin. (The reason for incomplete insulin production is because zinc
is a key component of insulin production.)
Another transaction that occurs when the
adrenals become taxed is that immune function decreases and creates a situation
where you cannot adequately regulate sugar within the blood stream. This can
lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (diabetes).
High potency supplements are essential for
anyone dealing with stress. If sugar metabolism is also an issue then a high
potency multi mineral is also beneficial. I stress high potency nutrients
because the B vitamins are compromised by stress and diminished in the body by
liquids. Vitamins are co-enzymes and the body runs on enzyme processes. The
minerals should also be of meaningful amounts as they support thousands of
transactions within.
There are many ways to cope with and manage the symptoms of stress, especially
during the holiday season. Some are healthy and productive, others not so much.
You must take a hard look at your diet. Foods that provide little or no
nutritional value should be reduced or eliminated. Supplements should be taken
to help replace those nutrients lost or missing from your diet. Food additives
like caffeine, excessive salt, alcohol, sugar, preservatives and even hormones
attack the body, further reducing its ability to deal physically with daily
stressors. Be aware that food allergies, even minor ones, can impact the body
adversely.
If the holidays send your stress levels
soaring, try replacing that martini with some non-alcoholic cider or caffeine
free herbal tea, nibble on some fresh fruits and veggies or unsalted nuts, take
a walk around the block, and replenish nutrients with high potency supplements.
Lastly, remember to laugh and have fun.
Wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday
season!
