STRESS? Help your body stay CALM!
Do you know someone who is unphased by many situations that totally stress you out?
It’s obviously in their ‘make up’ but what the physiological and nutritional story behind it and what can we do to enhance our physiological resistance to stress?
Potential stress triggers are everywhere all around us and if our central nervous system is in ‘fight or flight’ mode we will most likely respond to these situations as problems that need to be sorted out. If however our nervous system is in a balanced mode we will approach these potential stress triggers in a much calmer and more creative way and will see them as opportunities to learn instead. Read on to find out how to look after your body so your response to life is ACTION rather that REACTION…
1. The Adrenals – Secrete the hormones adrenalin & cortisol in response to stress. This puts the body into protection mode so it is most able to ‘fight or flight’ for survival. When we are exposed to stress triggers on a constant basis the adrenals need extra support. Vitamin B5 (preferably as part of a B complex) along with Marine Fish Oils strengthen the adrenal glands and make them less sensitive in their response to stress.
2. The Nervous System – Needs balance (between sympathetic & parasympathetic) to remain healthy. Meditation is the ideal tool for this. It doesn’t need to be boring, difficult or uncomfortable. It can help you focus your mind, keep calm and feel positive and uplifted. 10 minutes can make a huge difference. To try a simple Dru Meditation go to www.druworldwide.com/meditation
3. The Lungs – Tend to under-function when we are stressed making us shallow breathers and depriving the body of much needed oxygen. Taking deep breaths of fresh air regularly through the day will reduce our stress levels and improve our mood!
4. The Spine –Becomes dehydrated & stiff under stress. Make an effort to keep your body hydrated by drinking 1.5-2l. of pure water throughout the day as well as exercising the whole body daily with walking, swimming, yoga or a way that works for you – use it or lose it!
5. The Pancreas – Can get exhausted under stress due to fluctuating blood sugar levels. Do your pancreas a favour, keep your blood sugar levels stable by having proteins & good fats at every meal, especially breakfast, reducing caffeine intake and by snacking on nuts & seeds which are full of stress combating nutrients including zinc and omega 6.
6. The Brain – Gets rigid & fixed when we are stressed. Get out in nature & take at least half an hour a day to be creative & out of the box, sing, dance, paint have fun or play a game (not on the computer!) You’ll feel so much more relaxed afterwards due to the production of endorphins & other ‘happy hormones’.
7. The Environment – Is full of toxins, chemicals, artificial hormones & electro-magnetic stress that deplete the body of the precious nutrients that protect it from stress. Take green superfoods daily to alkalise your body and keep it topped up with available magnesium, iron, beta carotene & many other precious antioxidants
It’s obviously in their ‘make up’ but what the physiological and nutritional story behind it and what can we do to enhance our physiological resistance to stress?
Potential stress triggers are everywhere all around us and if our central nervous system is in ‘fight or flight’ mode we will most likely respond to these situations as problems that need to be sorted out. If however our nervous system is in a balanced mode we will approach these potential stress triggers in a much calmer and more creative way and will see them as opportunities to learn instead. Read on to find out how to look after your body so your response to life is ACTION rather that REACTION…
1. The Adrenals – Secrete the hormones adrenalin & cortisol in response to stress. This puts the body into protection mode so it is most able to ‘fight or flight’ for survival. When we are exposed to stress triggers on a constant basis the adrenals need extra support. Vitamin B5 (preferably as part of a B complex) along with Marine Fish Oils strengthen the adrenal glands and make them less sensitive in their response to stress.
2. The Nervous System – Needs balance (between sympathetic & parasympathetic) to remain healthy. Meditation is the ideal tool for this. It doesn’t need to be boring, difficult or uncomfortable. It can help you focus your mind, keep calm and feel positive and uplifted. 10 minutes can make a huge difference. To try a simple Dru Meditation go to www.druworldwide.com/meditation
3. The Lungs – Tend to under-function when we are stressed making us shallow breathers and depriving the body of much needed oxygen. Taking deep breaths of fresh air regularly through the day will reduce our stress levels and improve our mood!
4. The Spine –Becomes dehydrated & stiff under stress. Make an effort to keep your body hydrated by drinking 1.5-2l. of pure water throughout the day as well as exercising the whole body daily with walking, swimming, yoga or a way that works for you – use it or lose it!
5. The Pancreas – Can get exhausted under stress due to fluctuating blood sugar levels. Do your pancreas a favour, keep your blood sugar levels stable by having proteins & good fats at every meal, especially breakfast, reducing caffeine intake and by snacking on nuts & seeds which are full of stress combating nutrients including zinc and omega 6.
6. The Brain – Gets rigid & fixed when we are stressed. Get out in nature & take at least half an hour a day to be creative & out of the box, sing, dance, paint have fun or play a game (not on the computer!) You’ll feel so much more relaxed afterwards due to the production of endorphins & other ‘happy hormones’.
7. The Environment – Is full of toxins, chemicals, artificial hormones & electro-magnetic stress that deplete the body of the precious nutrients that protect it from stress. Take green superfoods daily to alkalise your body and keep it topped up with available magnesium, iron, beta carotene & many other precious antioxidants
