Learn More About Stress
When we feel stress, the body responds as though we are being chased by a lion. It jumps into a ‘fight-or-flight’ state and releases a cocktail of hormones from the adrenal glands, including cortisol and adrenaline.
These hormones redirect blood flow to large muscle groups, increase our breathing and heart rate, and give us a boost of energy. This response is meant to help us survive during times of stress.
Symptoms of Stress:
- Increased our risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke
- Indigestion
- Heart burn
- Bloating
- Suppresses the immune system
- Suppresses sleep
- Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
- Brain fog, poor memory and difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue, anxiety, depression, and difficulty coping with stress
- Can trigger flare-ups of digestive conditions like IBD and IBS
Lifestyle changes:
- Self-care - Build an activity into your weekly routine and make it a priority. Walk, getting a massage, or seeing a friend
- Recognize stressors
- Breathe: Deep breaths force your body back into rest-and-digest and helps us to feel calm
- Meditate
- Prioritize sleep
- Counselling, Consider seeking out professional help
- Gentle exercise
- Keep blood sugar stable
The most important way to reduce cortisol and minimize these fight-or-flight reactions is to reduce stress. Unfortunately, that is not always possible, so supplementation can help your body cope with stress more effectively.
