Knowing The Truth About Stress

Margaret Balajewicz, B.Sc, ND

Stress is highly prevalent in today’s lifestyle: the mere drive to work can stimulate adrenaline in the light of the traffic congestion, creating those familiar stress responses.

Stress can be activated through various stimuli: physical, mental, and emotional. These in turn, product the fight or flight response.

We all experience this everyday. Adrenaline and noradrenaline are hormones produced by out adrenal glands every time with encounter stress. Adrenaline has a number of effects on our bodies:

• Raises blood pressure
• Produces anxiety & depression
• Elevates blood sugar & cholesterol levels

Chronic, excessive release of adrenaline can have a profound effect on some major body systems, such as the heart, blood vessels, immune system, and adrenal glands.

With prolonged stress, one feels exhausted, tired and depressed. People also experience circulatory problems, increased frequency to colds & flus, and become more prone to allergies.

So what can you do to protect yourself form the adverse effects of stress? Here are some tips to try!

1) Relaxation

There are a ton of ways to relax. Some include:

• Meditation
• Progressive relxation
• Self-hypnosis
• Biofeedback
• Prayer
• Guided Imagery
• Acupressure
• Massage performed by your partner
• Yoga / Tai chi
• Getting lost in a hobby

It is important to keep in mind that every person is different and therefore you will have to find out which method works best for you and your personality & schedule!

2) Exercise

Although exercise is a physical stressor, in moderation, it’s a wonderful stress relief method. It’s especially effective for mental or emotional stress. Not only does it reduce stress, but it also helps you cope with stress better.

Exercise also has several physiological benefits, such as:

• Better cardiovascular function by improving heart muscle contraction & decreasing heart rate
• Decreasing blood pressure & cholesterol levels
• Improves oxygen and nutrient utilization
• Improves endurance & energy
• Improves self-esteem & mood

3) Botanicals

This section is for anyone undergoing acute or chronic stress, especially those with a busy schedule, and struggle to find time for exercise/relaxation.

Botanical (herbal) medicine has a lot to offer; however it is important to get the right dosage. There are several categories of botanicals that play a key role.

First category is called adaptogens. Adaptogens facilitates the body to adapt to stressful situations by improving adrenal function, improving immune system, and tonifying the nervous systems. Such botanicals are: Astragalus, Panax ginseng, and Eleutheroccus senticosus (Siberian Gingsing).

The second group of botanicals help in coping with stress, are the adrenal tonics. These herbs act directly on the adrenal gland, making it work more efficiently. Examples are: Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) and Borage officinalis.

The third group of botanicals is nervines, which work to calm and tonify the nervous system. These include Avena sativa (Oats), Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower), Scutellaria lateriflora (Skullcap), Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm), Hypericum perfoliatum (St. John’s Wort), and Hummulus lupulus (Hops).

Note: With all botanicals, it is important to consult a health professional who can warn you about any possible drug interactions. Our naturopathic practitioners experienced in the field of botanicals, so reach out with any questions!

4) Homeopathy

Homeopathy is the use of natural substances of multiple dilutions. It is believed to provide an “energetic” stimulus to the body’s inherent healing ability.

This type of medicine is very useful in terms of stress reduction; however, the remedies are determined on the basis of an individual’s mental, emotional. and physical symptom picture. Therefore, to have the right homeopathic remedy, we recommend consulting one of our licensed naturopathic practitioners.

5) Nutrition

Nutrition is another big player in combatting the effects of stress. It is often ignored or forgotten in our busy lives, but we must remember that “we are what we eat.”

All chemical reactions that take place in our bodies need coenzymes or vitamins & minerals. Our body functions well as long as it as ALL the building blocks for these reactions to occur. As soon as your diet is insufficient to supply your body with vitamins and minerals, especially in times of high demand (i.e. stress), the metabolism slows down, and fatigue & tiredness set in.

With respect to stress, there are certain necessary factors for proper adrenal hormone production. They are: Vitamin C, B6, B5 (Panthothenic acid), Potassium, Zinc, Magnesium, and Antioxidants. Pantothenic acid is particularly important, and can be found in whole grains, legumes, salmon, liver, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.

Stress is a part of our everyday living, and we need to know how to cope with it and support our body when needed. The KEY to keeping yourself healthy through stressful times, is to realize that all aspects of your health: emotional, mental, and physical need to be addressed at all times.

Margaret Balajewicz, B.Sc, ND

Naturopathic Doctor