September 15, 2011

Stress and Your Health

Living in Western society has its benefits; most of us have access to food, shelter, medicine, education etc.  Unfortunately, the fast-paced, hardworking lifestyle we’ve created also comes with STRESS!

Stress has a huge impact on our health.  It decreases the proper functioning of our immune system leading to frequent illnesses and perhaps puts us at risk of developing cancer.  Other health issues brought on by stress include insomnia, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, infertility, chronic fatigue, poor concentration, poor digestion etc. Until we are able to change this lifestyle, we must help our bodies deal with stress. Here are a few ideas:

Omega 3’s: Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for a healthy mind. Increase your intake of fish or incorporate flax seeds in your diet.

Vitamin C and B-Vitamins: Our adrenal glands are major players in how we deal with stress.  We must do our best to keep them healthy!  Consider supplementing with a B-complex and eat foods rich in vitamin C.

Blood Sugar Levels:  Prevent your blood sugar levels from spiking and crashing.  Snack on high protein foods every 2-3hrs (eg. Nuts or Hummus). Try incorporating cinnamon into your diet.

Breathing Exercises:  How many times a day do we just stop and take a deep breath?  Breathing exercises help control blood pressure and lower anxiety.  You can do these while you’re driving to and from work or take a few minutes while sitting at your desk.

Make a List: Your mind deserves a rest! Write down a “To-Do” list. Cross off tasks as they get completed.  Stress will start decreasing as the list gets shorter and a sense of accomplishment will arise as you notice just how much you’re actually getting done!

“Me” time: Take a walk in nature, exercise, get a massage, attend a meditation class, read a book, or take a bath.  Do something to take your mind off things.

The most important thing to remember is that life is short and we must enjoy it.  Stress will be more bearable if it is balanced with happy occasions.  At the end of the day ask yourself: “Did I do something that I enjoyed today?”  The answer should always be YES!

Tanya Manikkam is a Naturopathic Doctor with a focus in men and women’s health.  She uses clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, physical medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy and lifestyle counselling in order to help her patients achieve an optimal state of health.  She currently practices at Pollack College Rehab and The Madison Clinic in Toronto.

Comments