We listen a lot in the news regarding stress and how it affects our health. It is a well-accepted fact that chronic stress leads to disease. Setting apart the psychological aspect of stress, stress likewise affects the nutritional status of the body, such that we fall prey to respective stress-related illnesses. Supplementing our diet with those nutrients depleted due to stress will not only reduce the risk of stress-related illnesses, but likewise give us more energy and vitality, such that we are capable to cope more efficaciously with stress.

Stress affects our nutritional status in two specific ways:

First, it affects the way our physiology, increasing our nutritional needs.

Second, it affects our eating habits which modifies our nutrient intake.

When we are under stress, our body mobilizes it is resources to defend itself (fight or flight). It increments heart rate, raises blood pressure, and redistributes blood from the internal organs (stomach) to the muscles in preparation for physical activity. There are increments in blood fats and sugars (for muscle fuel) and increments in specific brain neurotransmitters to sharpen our reflexes.

Meanwhile, other bodily functions are put on hold: Tissue fix is postponed, digestion is slowed and the immune system delays it is activenesses as well. While this is an suitable short-term response, chronic stress in the end leads to exhaustion. This is like leaving your car parked in neutral with the engine racing. Chances are your car engine won’t last very long if you run it this way, and also your body won’t last very long if you don’t supply it with high-grade “racing fuel” As I’ll explain below, this intensified state of arousal causes sure nutrients to be depleted while increasing the need for other specific nutrients.

However, as if to compound the problem, a stressed person often times changes their eating habits that further exacerbate their nutrient status. We tend to skip meals, and eat “fast food”, which is high in fat, sugar and salt. Stress causes us to exercise less (lack of time) and consume more stimulants like coffee, alcohol and tobacco. These habits further deplete critical nutrients.

HOW may we heighten our nutrient intake?

1. Stress raises our metamorphosis and decreases our nutritional status, depleting our body of water- soluble vitamins and minerals. Therefore we ought to increase intake of the water-soluble vitamins, B and C. A deficiency of B vitamins leaves you sentiment tired and lethargic, yet more reactive to stress. Minerals, specially potassium, magnesium and zinc are also depleted for the duration of stress. A basic multi-vitamin supplementation program is essential. There are some “stress” formulations available on the market. The best formulas are made from whole-foods not synthetic pharmaceutical blends. Choose wisely.

2. Stress causes an elevation in free radicals, therefore anti-oxidants become exceedingly important in reducing oxidative harm all around the body and in particular in the brain where stress contributes to brain harm and untimely aging. Colorful fruits and vegetables integrate the super anti-oxidant components known as carotenoids and flavonoids. We need to eat the commended 5-8 servings of fruits and vegetables each day to keep ourselves supplied with these powerful antioxidants.

3. Stress activates the adrenal glands and over time will lead to adrenal exhaustion. The necessary fatty acids, present in whole grains, will provide the raw materials to make the hormones necessary to keep the adrenal glands operating at greatest or most complete or best possible efficiency. Adrenal exhaustion may also bestow to chronic fatigue syndrome.

4. Since the immune scheme is downhearted while under stress, respective constituents will boost immune scheme function. These include the necessary fatty acids and exceptionally the omega-3 necessary fatty acids. Carotenoids and flavonoids have also been shown to dramatically heighten immune system function.

5. Poor dietary habits, consuming foods high in fat and sugar, and increased caffeine and alcohol intake, will cause marked changes in blood sugar, with affiliated changes in mood, conduct and energy levels. A protein supplement which is effortlessly digested will aid in stabilizing blood sugar and provide the amino acids necessary to repair and replace cells damaged from stress.

6. Finally, stress affects digestion of our food, decreasing our capacity to extract the necessary nutrients from the feed we do eat. We may need to add digestive supplements to heighten digestion for more finish absorption and assimilation of necessary nutrients.

The above supplemental schemes will provide our bodies with specific nutrients depleted when stressed. This will make a person less reactive to stress and also reduce the peril of disease and other stress-related diseases.

If you need assistance in selecting a high-quality whole-food sourced nutritional supplement, I have worked with a great deal of nutritional companies and have chosen those supplements that I believe to be the most effective supplements to enable us to better cope with the stress of our progressed western lifestyle.

Essentials Of Managing Stress Second Edition

Essentials of Managing Stress, Second Edition teaches practical accomplishments and proficiencies to handle the every day stresses in life. While other texts are heavy with theory, this book offers both theory and effective application. With over 80 exercises that instruct students effective coping accomplishments and relaxation techniques, Essentials of Managing Stress emphasizes that one will have to look at the mind, body, and spirit as equivalent constituents of the whole person to deal with stress effectively.