STRESS AND DIET
Stress is one of the most common causes of disease
and premature breakdown of the body.
Stress weakens our immune system and makes us more
susceptible to disease.
However, stress can also strengthen our bodies and
help us to respond to the challenges of life.
The key is balance.
Unfortunately, most of us never get there.
When we are stressed what is really happening is that
the sympathetic portion of our nervous system is turned on.
This system basically takes over when the body views
something as threatening.
This is also called the flight or fight response.
The essence of stress says, “I don’t need to
worry about anything on the inside right now because if I
don’t survive what is in front of me right now, tomorrow
won’t matter.” This
system pushes all the available energy in the body to the
major muscle groups and puts the brain on maximum alert.
While certainly there are times when we all need to
be able to respond to stress, most of us need to learn how
to shut this system off or at least try to lessen the
intensity. Triggers
for this type of response are things like deadlines, bills
you can’t pay, negative relationships and work related
stress. What is
essential to understand about stress is that like, “ I’m
not going to make it,” “I’m going to show them” and
“they don’t like me” are all connected into this type
of reasoning. Emotions
such as anger, anxiety, worry, fear and depression are key
as well. So what is the balance here?
The good news is that we all have another side to us.
This is called the parasympathetic nervous system.
This system says everything is OK on the outside and
now it is time to take care of what is on the inside.
Some of the functions that these system controls are
things like digestion, elimination, sexuality and sleep.
Now you can understand why you should never fight at
the dinner table or eat before you go swimming.
Not listening to what our bodies are telling us puts
our health at risk.
The best way to turn on the parasympathetic nervous
system is to feed yourself positive thoughts.
Stopping in the middle of a stressful event and
saying, “this is not life threatening” or “I’m going
to make it just fine” will help to keep the stress to a
minimum. Taking the time for things like a quiet time in
your faith, meditation, read encouraging books, eating
correctly and getting plenty of sleep, can make a huge
difference in balancing out your stressful lifestyle.
Another
part of the human experience is the role of relationships.
Having relationships that are authentic, real and
intimate are great for putting things in perspective and
making us feel loved. Human
beings are not solitary animals, we are herb animals and we
need social interactions and support.
Stress can also affect the physical body, which can
cause the body to lock up or trigger constant muscle spasms.
Complimentary
therapies such as chiropractic, massage, and acupuncture can
help to play a key role in helping you to manage your
stress. Nutrition
too, can play a key role in managing stress.
How we eat and what we eat speaks for how we manage
our stress.
WHAT DO WE DO WHEN
WE GET STRESSED?
1.
We consume caffeine
2.
We seek comfort foods such as chocolate, sweets,
sugar drinks…
3.
We eat what is convenient – fast food, snacks
4.
We forget to eat
5.
We forget to take our vitamins
6.
We eat too fast
7.
We eat too much
8.
We eat too late
9.
We take antacids
10.
We allow negative thoughts to interfere in our life.
WHAT WE SHOULD CONCENTRATE ON WHEN WE
ARE STRESSED
1.
Drink water
2.
Plan 10 healthy meals and snacks and have them on
hand
3.
Schedule regular meals, 4-5 hours apart, with snacks
in-between.
4.
Take your vitamins
5.
Eat slowly and take time to relax when you eat
6.
Don’t over eat
7.
Don’t eat 3-4 hours before bedtime.
8.
Watch your combinations of foods and add enzymes to
your meals
9.
Take probiotics to enhance digestion and strengthen
our immune system
10.
Have positive thoughts.
Negative thoughts at mealtime will disturb digestion.
WHAT WE CAN DO
EMOTIONALLY WHEN WE ARE STRESSED?
1.
Continually remind yourself that, “ this is not
life threatening.”
2.
Constantly say, “I’m going to make it.”
3.
Talk about your stress to people that care and take
time to listen to others
4.
The difference between a roaring lion trying to
devour you and just another day at work is the internal
dialog you are feeding yourself.
5.
Listen to yourself.
Input a positive thought when the “chatter”
won’t shut. Quell it with a deep breath and silence.
6.
Take a walk. Getting out in Nature can calm the mind.
Strenuous exercise can sometimes be more harmful than
helpful. It may
feel good at the time, but it only takes you on a false
euphoria before it drops you back down.
This is a biochemical feeling only and not a true
reality to what your body is feeling.
7.
Be good to yourself.
Take time for yourself.
Make yourself a priority.
Love yourself for who you are.
Give yourself a hug.
You are love and loved.J
Katé
Montgomery, ND and unknown contributor
