Decrease Stress to Increase Health

One of the main things we are always complaining about is that 6 letter word - STRESS.  From job pressure, family issues to medical worries and financial crisis, stress creeps up on us each day.  But beyond this, most people don't realise that most illnesses are stress-induced.

We need to understand that these "stressors" can also be either physical or environmental factors.  It is also categorised into three sections: acute, intermittent and chronic. 

• Acute stress is for example, caused by trauma, so something that hits hard and quick,
• Intermittent stress lasts over a longer period of time and builds up, such as studying then having to pay bills etc,
• Chronic is on the other-hand is long term and becomes a part of your life. For instance working in a job you dislike, eating a diet low in nutrients...

It is amazing what can happen to the body when it is exposed to this tension. Many surveys estimate that stress contributes to 80 percent of major illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, digestive diseases, mental disorders, injuries, nervous system and sensory organ diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, cancers, endocrine and metabolic diseases, skin disorders, and infectious ailments of all kinds. It is also linked to angina, asthma, autoimmune diseases, cancers, the common cold, depression, type 2 diabetes, headaches, hypertension, immune suppression, irritable bowel syndrome, menstrual irregularities, premenstrual tension, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and ulcers.

Do you have stress in your life?  If left untreated, stress can be a serious health hazard that affects both mental and physical wellbeing.  Excessive stress robs the body of nutrients, harms the cardiovascular system, and lowers the effectiveness of the immune system. If we allow stress to continue 'eating away' at us, then eventually our bodies become exhausted.

Here is what you can do to help combat stress and its negative effects:

• Eat nutrient rich foods: A moderate complex carbs diet along with lots of vegetables, fruits, protein, and good fats. Ensure low sodium and sugar intake.
   
• Supplement with these power vitamins/minerals: Potassium, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, Magnesium
   
• Try herbs: Chamomile, Peppermint, Feverfew (for tension headaches), Ginseng, Ashwaghanda
   
• Exercise regularly: The natural decrease in adrenaline production after exercise may counteract the stress response. People who are physically fit better handle stress
   
• Relax: Listening to relaxing music, getting a massage, or soaking in a bath can all help you relax
   
• Talk to someone: Confide in a friend, family member, counselor, this can help relief some stress,

Written by :

Helki S.Weber

 

Health & Fitness - General Health