Stress, Chronic Inflammation and Your Health

We all go through stressful times, but some of us more than others... In fact, a recent study found that one-third of people live with extreme stress- and it could be causing severe harm to their mental and physical health.

Stress is ultimately caused by change. This change could be environmental, physical, mental or emotional- some triggers we can control and some we just can't. Nonetheless, the trick is learning to deal with stress and hoping you can get a handle on it before it gets out of control and causes long-term or short-term changes.

Mental Stress:  Work schedules, school assignments, finances, or taking on too much.

Physical Stress: Putting strain on your body by over exerting yourself.  Lifting heavy objects, exercising too much.

Emotional Stress:  Breaking up with a boyfriend/girlfriend, taking care of an ill loved one, losing a job, grieving.

Environmental Stress:  Toxins on the air, water and food or even natural oxidation that occurs due to matural processes in your own body.

Chronic stress is an inflammatory condition. Because stress is constantly barraging the body, the body doesn't have time to recuperate from each episode and what started out as a simple overwhelmed feeling turns into a cascade of bodily destruction- mentally and physically.

As stress compounds, hormones begin to break down immune cells and leave the body susceptible to bacteria, viruses and toxins within the body which further perpetuate the destructive cycle and may eventually lead to chronic inflammation disease.

Stress and Inflammation attack 9 major parts of your body:

1. the brain and nerves (nervous system)- resulting in headaches, feelings of despair, lack of energy, trouble concentrating, impulse eating or lack of hunger, trouble sleeping, or panic disorders
2. the skin- resulting in acne, psoriasis and other chronic inflammation skin diseases
3. the heart- resulting in elevated blood pressure, increased risk of elevated cholesterol, heart attack and possibly even heart disease
4. the muscles, bones and joints- resulting in muscle aches, arthritic conditions and possible reduced bone density
5. the immune system- resulting in a reduced ability to fight and recover from diseases
6. the stomach- resulting in weight gain, nausea, and heartburn
7. the pancreas- resulting in risk of diabetes
8. the intestines- resulting in diarrhea, constipation or digestive problems
9. the reproductive system- resulting in reduced sex drive, irregular or painful periods (for women), impotence or low sperm count (for men)

There are certainly ways in which one can reduce stress and inflammation in their life and prevent disease from occurring.

Probably the best method is proper diet and exercise.  By eating foods more natural foods that are high in antioxidants and exercising, you give your body the tools it needs to run effectively.

Second, to ensure you are getting the right balance of nutrients, add nutritional supplements to your daily regimen that have stress reducing power and the ability to flush toxins from your body.  For example, Adaptogen and Nopalea.

Third, Socialize.  Talking about any stressful things you have going on in your life can help you feel better.

Fourth, schedule in some "zen time" for yourself.  Read a book or just enjoy the peace and quiet.

Fifth- try some relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercises.

Last, don't smoke or drink excessively.  The idea is to get the toxins OUT of your body, not put more in...

By following these simple steps, you can lead a much happier, healthier, stress and inflammation-free life.