Stress Nutrition Basics |
| Date Added: June 15, 2009 06:57:02 PM |
| Author: Anonymous |
| Category: Health Supplements |
| Stress Nutrition BasicsJanuary 5, 2009The equation is simple: Stress is pervasive. It is toxic and robs the body of critical nutrients, especially minerals. No therapy or lifestyle change can be successful without the nutritional foundation needed to protect against the damage of stress. Supplementation is mandatory.Good stress bad stressLets get right to the premise: We live in a stressful world. There are both good stresses and bad stresses. Bad stresses can be overcome by a lifestyle that includes nutrition as a stress reduction pathway. Good stress can replace the pressures and anxieties of life, but only if our minds and bodies are provided the nutrition needed to cope and prevail. Without the nutritional building blocks for mental and physical health, our stress will overwhelm us.Bad stress is a persistent feeling of loss of control and being overwhelmed, threatened or isolated. It is a loss of personal pride and a kind of hopelessness or belief that you are not worthwhile or useful. Negative stress derives from a sense of being dominated, bullied or defeated on a regular basis. It can also arise from prolonged inactivity. In fact, it can just as easily be generated from our own thoughts, such as when we attempt to hold onto opposing views and values at the same time. For example, "fence-sitting" on important issues such as values and morals can generate extreme stress. Negative stress can come from external pressures such as careers, relationships, the economy, crime, or from society in general.Stress and toxicityBad stress generates physical toxicity in our bodies. Such stress-induced toxicity arises from natural internal responses to stressors, including the tremendous pressure of social isolation and poor self esteem. In fact, one author blames isolation and lack of freedom as a cause of physical degeneration and vulnerability to disease.In a book called Wild Health by Cindy Engel, the author quotes Dr. Robert Sapolsk, a neurophysiologist from his book. Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers: An Updated Guide to Stress, Stress-Related Diseases and Coping. The author paraphrases: “Social isolation can be as deadly as smoking, obesity, hypertension, or lack of exercise. And regardless of gender, age, or race, poverty is the most determinant of human disease.” According to Sapolsky’s book, physical disease is therefore not just a result of pathogens, but from a toxic social environment that results in suboptimal circumstances. The unhealthy, isolated social background fosters negative emotional-cognitive activity which suppresses the immune system and floods the body with toxins. Engel noted that most animals in the wild are perfectly capable of warding off simple diseases like Avian flu or anthrax. But put them in captivity and they often get sick and die from far less exotic opportunistic diseases that arise when immune systems shut down as a result of the stress of captivity.The implications have considerable consequences for people and societies. Isolated people and those without freedom, hope, a sense of belonging, and a sense of relevance become sick internally and socially. Controlled societies increase this sickness, whereas free societies—where people are socially involved and learn to control their destinies, live much healthier, more fulfilling lives. Long term effects of stress: diseaseNegative stress creates emotional and cognitive conditions that perpetuate worry, doubt, fear, anger, disappointment and uncertainty. It is pervasive and quite literally toxic. In fact, the long term effects of this kind of stress can kill you. Tragically, children are being subject to social and emotional stresses that impacts their maturity and development.Negative stress is a stealthy yet significant killer in Western societies. Workplace stress costs more than $300 billion each year in health care, missed work and therapeutic interventions. It leads to sleeplessness and hazy thinking. And it isn't just occupational. Stress destroys our personal lives. It encourages us to make bad decisions and to act impulsively. Under stress, we turn to self-abusive habits: overeating, drug use, dependency on prescription medications, more likely to form bad habits. Stressed people lose sleep and often perpetuate or even magnify the condition through insomnia and poor eating habits.The cortisol connectionOne way stressful pressure is toxic is through the overproduction and over stimulation of hormones (the catalysts and regulators of all physiological systems). Cortisol for example is a normal and vital hormone. This chemical is secreted by the adrenal glands, controlled by the hypothalamus, and is involved in numerous life-sustaining processes.If you would like to read the rest of this article visit http://www.californiaearthminerals.com/news/articles.php |
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