Undress Your Stress

Do you ever find yourself saying, "I'm so stressed"? Well, what does this mean exactly? Stress is a very broad and often misunderstood concept. Put simply, stress is what a person feels when life's demands exceed one's ability to meet or adapt to those demands.

All living creatures are subject to both internal and external stressors, and all respond to these stressors according to their individual mental, emotional, physical and spiritual stamina. Ideally, stress hormones return to normal once a person's stress abates. However, the demands of today's world seem unrelenting. When stressors (even positive ones such as planning a wedding or a job promotion) overload our adaptive ability, symptoms and disease can occur. Interestingly, we may not always be aware of these changes nor relate particular symptoms to our stress reactions.

The Adrenal Role

The adrenal glands release stress response hormones that guide our body's reaction to a stressor the famous "fight-or-flight" response. Our ability to adapt to stress depends upon optimal function of the adrenal glands and, in particular, the regulation of the main stress hormone, cortisol. Excess or deficiencies of this crucial hormone can cause a variety of physical symptoms that, if not treated, will lead to more serious chronic disease states and even death.

Early symptoms of adrenal stress include: fatigue, depression, cold hands or feet, dizziness, low back pain,asthma, allergies, sweet cravings, hormonal imbalances, irritability, headaches, colitis and other gastrointestinal problems, skin problems, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Research has shown that cortisol imbalances also lead to blood sugar problems, weight gain, compromised immune function, infertility, chronic fatigue, bone loss, high triglyceride levels and heart disease. More recently, studies have shown that breast cancer, memory loss and sleep deprivation are also associated with increased cortisol levels.

Most adrenal conditions are due to sub-optimal function. It is difficult to diagnose mild to moderately compromised adrenals by using standard lab cortisol tests. A more sensitive test that measures saliva cortisol has been used in stress research for more than 10 years. This and other assessment tools are available through your naturopathic physician.

In my clinical practice, I see a continually increased incidence of stress-related conditions resulting from poor adrenal function. In these cases, I recommend a good multivitamin program that includes vitamin C, B-vitamin complex and zinc. I am also always looking for nutrients and herbs to help support these vital little glands.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) increases the body's resistance to chemical, biological and physical stressors. It has been proven to regulate the heart, enhance mental and physical performance, support the immune and hormonal systems, and to possess anti-depressive and anti-tumour activity.

Suma (Pfaffia paniculata) is a regenerative tonic for the nervous, reproductive and digestive systems and is used to treat hormonal disorders, sexual dysfunction, sterility, arteriosclerosis, fatigue, diabetes, cancer and many types of stress.

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) normalizes reactions to physical and mental stress, as well as increases the body's ability to withstand adverse conditions such as heat and noise and boosts in workload and physical endurance. It promotes vital energy, reduces frequency of illness, protects against environmental pollutants, regulates blood sugar, protects the liver and supports optimal adrenal function.

Schizandra berries (Schizandra chinensis) are commonly used as a general tonic and to promote liver health. They counter the effects of stress and fatigue. Studies show they have normalizing effects in cases of insomnia and nervousness; they improve physical endurance and mental capability, and are liver protective. They have also been found to have antioxidant and antibacterial effects.

Ashwagandha (Withana somnifera) is used primarily as a general tonic to increase energy and to improve overall health and longevity. Studies have proven its powerful anti-stress effects and immune-modulating, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour properties. It improves sexual performance and has calming effects on the central nervous system.

The main remedy for stress adaptation is balance in your life time for family and friends, rest, exercise, healthy eating, play and laugher, and spiritual exercise (prayer, meditation, communing with nature) balanced with work. The secret to health and happiness is our ability to adapt to the circumstances in which we live.