A Season of Stress

Holiday stress can impact your health. Keep your endocrine system strong by taking vitamins, herbs, and homeopathic  remedies to help you deal with stress.

It was the Hungarian-born researcher Hans Selye who first began piecing together the puzzle of human stress in the 1930s.

Since then the concept of stress and its impact on our health has been the subject of countless articles and books. But if you think you’ve read all you need to know about the
subject, think again.

At this time of year especially, you may want to pay attention to the symptoms of newly identified stress syndromes, such as endocrine imbalance and adrenal fatigue, and consider whether you recognize yourself in any way.

The symptoms of an endocrine disturbance or adrenal fatigue can include frequent colds and flu, a lowered sex drive, increased PMS, foggy thinking, and fatigue that is not improved by rest.

The endocrine system is an impressive orchestra of glands that regulates our body temperature and hormones and balances our chemistry. Our nervous system and our endocrine system function together, and the adrenal glands are the primary communication link between the two.

Chronic stimulation of the nervous system (e.g., from stress) will inevitably impact the healthy functioning of our adrenal glands with a ripple effect of impairment for other glands in our endocrine system (such as the thyroid).

The adrenal glands are at the front lines when it comes to stress, constantly safeguarding our health. Supporting or restoring the functioning of these glands is critical. A multipronged approach is recommended–especially in the winter season.

Homeopathic

Unlimited help for stress can be found in the homeopathic medicine chest. A well-chosen homeopathic remedy can heal both emotional and physical exhaustion and go a long way toward restoring vitality. Homeopaths may prescribe combination stress remedies or opt for single remedies such as phosphoric acid or Nux vomica.

Herbal

There is an array of herbs available to improve mood, mental performance, stamina, and immunity. Perhaps best known is Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), but other remarkable herbs include Rhodiola rosea, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), astragalus, and schisandra.

Vitamins

The amino acid tyrosine and the B vitamin pantothenic acid can be overused and eventually depleted under stress conditions, and both the adrenal glands and the thyroid need these critical nutrients. In addition to a comprehensive multi-vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant formula, find a supplement that includes tyrosine and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5).

If you’re feeling stressed with the holiday preparations in full swing, take a deep breath and remember there is a choice of solutions to smooth the seasonal strain.