Tag: Natural Health

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Differences Between Allergies, a Cold, and the Flu

Woman sneezing; allergies, a cold, or the flu.

With the seasons changing, allergies and sicknesses are becoming more common, but it can be difficult to tell if you’re sick, or if it’s just allergies. While some of the symptoms overlap, there are a few differences that may help you know what you have. We also get lots of questions this time of year about what people can do for natural allergy relief and immune support. So, let’s discuss some of the differences between allergies, a cold, and the flu, and some supplements that might help.

Allergies

Many people have seasonal allergies, usually triggered by pollen or mold. These allergies range in severity from person to person, and may be better or worse some days. Allergies can last from a few days, to a few months, with some people suffering with them year-round. Symptoms of allergies can include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes or throat, sinus congestion, and sometimes chest congestion. Hista-Plex may help alleviate some of the mild allergy symptoms like runny nose and itchy eyes.

While mild allergies are typically more common, severe allergies and allergic reactions can lead to serious symptoms including hives, difficulty breathing, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and anaphylaxis. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

A Cold

Colds also become increasingly common this time of year, and they can be very similar to allergies. A cold can cause symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, chest and sinus congestion, and cough. Symptoms of a cold usually appear gradually, and many of these can also be symptoms of allergies, but may not last as long. Resting, drinking plenty of water, and eating lots of organic fruits and vegetables can help provide the nutrients your body needs to fight off a cold. If your symptoms persist and/or worsen, contact your doctor.

The Flu

This time of year, our patients start asking us what they can do to help prevent the flu. The flu is usually easier to identify than allergies and colds, as the symptoms generally appear suddenly and are more serious. If you contract the flu you may experience fever, joint and muscle aches, chills, fatigue, weakness, and headaches. While there are no foolproof ways to prevent the flu, you can potentially lower your risk. Anything that boosts the health of your immune system may help reduce your risk of contracting illnesses like the flu. Eating a variety of organic fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress may help keep your immune system healthy. Taking supplements like Liposomal C, Active Zinc, and Immune Essentials may also help your immune system fight off certain illnesses.

Eating plenty of organic fruits and vegetables can help provide the nutrients and antioxidants your body needs to fight off infections and keep your immune system healthy. Supplements can help provide vitamins and minerals you may not be getting enough of, and they can also provide immune-boosting herbs like mushrooms you may not get through food. Immune Essentials is one of our newer products and is a powerful formulation of several different mushrooms and green tea extract to help support immune system health. Remember to wash your hands frequently!

You can listen to our Differences Between Allergies, a Cold, and the Flu podcast episode here. You can also listen to it on our YouTube channel here.

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Allergy Relief and Seasonal Defense

Microphone and computer; exercising consistent health habits.
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With the seasons changing, more people are having trouble with allergies and sicknesses. We get questions this time of year about what people can do for natural allergy relief and seasonal defense against colds and the flu, especially from teachers and hospital staff who are more likely to catch something. Let’s discuss the differences between allergies, colds, and the flu, and some supplements that may help provide some relief and help keep your immune system healthy.

Allergies may cause symptoms like:

  • Runny Nose
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy Throat or Eyes
  • Sinus Congestion

A cold may cause a gradual onset of symptoms including:

  • Sneezing
  • Sinus Congestion
  • Runny Nose
  • Occasional Chest Congestion

The flu typically causes a sudden onset of symptoms like:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Body Aches

Eating plenty of organic fruits and vegetables can help provide the nutrients and antioxidants your body needs to fight off infections. However, it is difficult to get all the nutrients you need from food alone due to our soil being depleted over the years. There are also many herbs that can help keep the immune system healthy that would be difficult to eat, so taking supplements is a great way to get in vitamins, herbs and minerals you may not get through other sources.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

Hista-Plex – This formula includes optimal support for nasal and sinus passageways for individuals with seasonal allergies.

Immune Essentials – Immune Essentials supports immune health with a blend of highly researched and effectively concentrated mushroom extracts combined with the polyphenol nutrient support of green tea.†

You can also listen to Allergy Relief and Seasonal Defense on our YouTube channel here.

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What to Know About Candida

A table of sweets; What to Know About Candida.

Candida overgrowth is a hot topic and we often get questions from our patients about whether it could be the cause of their symptoms. While it could be the cause, it is often blamed for many different health issues that it is not always responsible for. There are many potential causes and symptoms, and it shares some of these with other conditions. So, it can be difficult to know if it really is a candida problem. Let’s go over some possible causes, symptoms, and lifestyle changes and help you learn what you need to know about candida.

Possible Causes

Candida overgrowth has many potential causes, and it is not always clear what the cause is. While candida is present in nearly everyone’s gut microbiome, it can become a problem if it multiplies too much, leading to an overgrowth. It is believed that frequent consumption of alcohol, sugar, grains and processed foods may contribute to candida overgrowth. Overuse of antiobiotics is another potential factor, as antibiotics can reduce the “good” bacteria that typically help keep candida under control. Chronic stress and certain medications may also contribute to candida overgrowth.

Possible Symptoms

Candida has been said to cause certain autoimmune diseases, sinus infections, urinary tract infections, chronic fatigue, and many other health conditions. However, candida overgrowth is not always responsible for all of these, and it is often not the sole cause. A candida overgrowth can manifest in many different ways, and symptoms may vary from person to person. Symptoms can include brain fog, fatigue, joint pain, bloating, bad breath, food cravings (especially for breads and sweets), UTI’s, sinus infections, and many others. However, as mentioned above, many health conditions have similar symptoms, so having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have an overgrowth of candida. If you are having any serious symptoms, see a doctor right away.

What You Can Do

If an overgrowth of candida is suspected, dietary and lifestyle changes may be necessary to help heal it and prevent it from recurring. Greatly reducing or eliminating consumption of processed foods and high-carb, sugary foods is one of the best things to help “starve out” candida. Candida is often said to feed on sugar, so reducing its food supply may help reduce the problem. Having regular bowel movements may also help.

So, eat plenty of organic fruits and vegetables to get the fiber you need to stay regular, and drink plenty of water to flush that fiber out. Taking a supplement like Candida Support may also be beneficial. It contains ingredients like Pau D’arco extract, berberine sulfate and others that work to help restore balance to the intestinal bacteria. Candida overgrowth is believed to be a common condition, and eating a balanced diet low in processed foods and sugar is a great option for overall health. So, if you are not sure if you have it or not, just work on eliminating sugary foods and replacing them with whole foods like organic fruits and vegetables and good-quality meats.

You can listen to our podcast episode Candida – Getting to the Gut of the Matter here. You can also listen on our YouTube channel here.

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Candida – Getting to the Gut of the Matter

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Candida overgrowth is a frequently discussed topic, and we get many questions about it from our patients. It is often blamed for many different health issues like autoimmune diseases, sinus infections, urinary tract infections, chronic fatigue, and many others. However, candida overgrowth is not solely responsible for all of these, and there is a lot of misinformation surrounding its causes and effects. Join us in getting to the gut of the matter of candida.

Possible Symptoms of Candida May Include:

  • Chronic Sinus Issues
  • Allergies
  • Hormone Imbalances
  • Fatigue
  • Bloating and Other Digestive Issues
  • Decreased Sex Drive
  • Bad Breath
  • Urinary Tract Infections
  • Joint Pain
  • Uncontrolled Food Cravings (Especially for Bread, Pasta, and Sweets)
  • Brain Fog and Difficulty Focusing

If an overgrowth of candida is suspected, dietary and lifestyle changes are often necessary to help heal it and prevent it from recurring. Greatly reducing or eliminating consumption of processed foods and high-carb, sugary foods is one of the best things to help “starve out” candida. Candida is often said to feed on sugar, so reducing its food supply may help reduce the problem. Having regular bowel movements may also help with candida overgrowth. So eat plenty of organic fruits and vegetables to get the fiber you need to stay regular, and drink plenty of water to flush that fiber out.

Product Mentioned in Today’s Show

Candida Support – This powerful phytonutrient complex was designed for restoring and maintaining a healthy, balanced gastrointestinal microbiota. Along with undecylenic acid, this formula also provides berberine and other synergistic factors.

You can also listen to Candida – Getting to the Gut of the Matter on our YouTube channel here.

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The Importance of Hormones

Happy woman showing the importance of hormones.

Balanced hormones play a crucial role in the health of your entire body and mind. Hormonal imbalances are becoming more and more common, and they can cause many different symptoms depending on which hormones are high or low. People often don’t understand the importance of hormones, and how much they can affect quality of life. Let’s take a look at a few hormones that are commonly out of balance.

Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone typically associated with men’s health. However, women need it too, but at lower levels than men. Testosterone plays a role in the production of sperm, red blood cells and muscle mass. It also plays a role in fat distribution, and helps regulate bone mass and sex drive. Testosterone is still being studied and researchers continue to learn more about how important this hormone is. Testosterone production often declines with age, and production may also decrease due to environmental toxins or certain health conditions.

Many men suffer from low testosterone, and symptoms may vary from person to person. Possible symptoms of low testosterone can include: fatigue, erectile dysfunction, hair loss, depression, poor memory, increased body fat, and decreased muscle mass, bone mass, and sex drive. Testosterone production often declines with age, and production may also decrease due to environmental toxins or certain health conditions. Some other things that can contribute to low testosterone include excess body fat (especially abdominal fat), high estrogen levels, and exposure to endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors are substances that interfere with hormones and can be found in plastic, fragranced products like soap and perfume, and many other things.

Estrogen

Estrogen is a hormone found in both men and women, but is found in much higher amounts in women. It is plays a role in a healthy sex drive and healthy female development during puberty. Estrogen is also involved in reducing bone loss, increasing skin quality, and even helps regulate cholesterol production. This hormone has many different functions which is why it is so important to have healthy estrogen levels. However, a condition often known as estrogen dominance is on the rise. As discussed above, we are exposed to endocrine disruptors every day, and many of these chemicals mimic estrogen in the body. This can lead to unnaturally high levels of estrogen, which can increase your risk of certain cancers.

Symptoms of an estrogen imbalance in women can include headaches, decreased sex drive, mood swings, breast tenderness, bloating, sleeping issues, anxiety, weight gain, etc. Men who may be suffering from an estrogen dominance may experience symptoms like mood swings, erectile dysfunction, infertility, and increased breast tissue growth.

Even when estrogen levels are balanced, they don’t always metabolize into the healthy forms. Estrogen is metabolized into many different forms. Some of these estrogen metabolites have more carcinogenic potential than others, this is why we have many of our patients take DIM 150. DIM is derived from cruciferous vegetables and helps the body metabolize estrogen into weaker, safer forms. While DIM is still being studied extensively, it has already shown potential in possibly reducing breast and prostate cancer risk.

Progesterone

Progesterone is another chemical that is mostly associated with women, but men also produce small amounts of it. In men, progesterone is necessary for testosterone production, and low progesterone levels can contribute to hair loss. In women, progesterone plays an important role in many different functions and processes. While its main function is to ensure the uterus is prepared for a healthy pregnancy, it also works with estrogen to help promote healthy bone density. Symptoms of low progesterone in women can include irregular menstrual cycles, depression, anxiety, headaches, and possibly infertility and pregnancy difficulties.

Supplements

There are some supplements that may help with maintaining healthy hormone levels. These include:

  • Testo Essentials – Testo Essentials is a combination of natural herbal ingredients designed to help support healthy sexual activity and overall vitality in men.*
  • DIM 150 – Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a metabolite of indole-3-carbinol, a nutrient found in cruciferous vegetables. Studies have shown that DIM promotes healthy estrogen metabolism in both men and women by positively shifting the metabolism of estrogen toward protective 2-hydroxyestrogen metabolites instead of the 16-hydroxyestrone.†
  • Progest-Avail – Progest-Avail™ is formulated to be used by women of reproductive age as well as by menopausal and postmenopausal women in order to ease any potential unpleasant effects of hormone imbalances and the normal hormonal fluctuations that occur with aging.
  • Evening Primrose Oil – Evening primrose supports cartilage and joint function, neuroendocrine and cognitive health, skin and connective tissue health, and helps maintain nerve function, and cardiovascular health.†

Taking certain supplements may help provide the nutrients your body may be lacking, and they may help ensure detoxification pathways are open. Eating a diet high in organic fruits and vegetables may also be helpful in maintaining healthy levels of hormones. Choosing organic foods is important due to the hormonal disruption some pesticides can cause. Healthy hormones are vital to your health, so choose organic foods, naturally fragranced soaps and other products, and reduce plastic usage.

You can listen to our The Delicate Dance of Balancing Hormones podast episode where we discuss the importance of hormones here. You can also listen to it on our YouTube channel here.

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Bad Gut Habits

Potato chips as an example of bad gut habits.

Gut health is so important to your overall physical and emotional health. An imbalance in the gut may contribute to the development of issues like allergies, skin conditions, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and even some autoimmune diseases and certain types of cancer. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help heal your gut and reduce inflammation, but how did the gut get inflamed in the first place? Let’s take a look at some bad habits that might be hurting your gut, and some good habits we can replace them with.

Processed Foods and Sugar

When we use the term “processed foods” we are referring to unhealthy pre-packaged foods that contain unnatural and unhealthy ingredients. Things like artificial colors, flavors and preservatives, trans fats, refined vegetable oils, high-fructose corn syrup, and MSG (monosodium glutamate – an excitotoxin) just to name a few. You can read more about artificial sweeteners and excitotoxins here. Trans fats increase LDL “bad” cholesterol and lower HDL “good” cholesterol, while vegetable oils corn and canols oils are high in inflammatory omega-6 fats. High-fructose corn syrup can increase inflammation and may contribute to insulin resistance, obesity, non-acoholic fatty liver disease, and some types of cancer. These are just a few examples of some inflammatory ingredients that can be found in processed foods. This is why it is best to choose natural whole foods, and always read ingredient labels on pre-packaged products.

Many processed foods also contain large amounts of sugar. Consuming too much sugar can increase your risk of developing a number of different health conditions. High sugar consumption has been linked diabetes and heart disease, among others. In addition to its affects on blood sugar levels, sugar can also increase inflammation in the body. It can also “feed” bad bacteria in our guts, allowing them to flourish.

Overuse of Antibiotics

Antibiotics can be a life-saving tool to fight off infections, but they can also kill off good bacteria. We have more bacteria in our bodies than cells, and these bacteria play important roles in our health, so it’s important to keep them balanced. If you frequently take antibiotics, it may be killing off too much of the good bacteria in your gut. These bacteria are still being studied, but researchers have found that some types of bacteria in our gut play important roles in synthezising neurotransmitters like serotonin. This is one reason why gut health is believed to influence emotional health. The bacteria in our guts are also a key part of our immune system. Taking a probiotic each night may help increase your good bacteria.

Good Gut Habits

We need to cut out the bad gut habits and replace them with good habits. You can start by cutting out processed foods and sugars as much as you can. Replace these foods with whole foods like fruits and vegetables, grass-fed meats, and good fats like coconut oil. Eating these foods will help give your body the nutrients it needs to work on reducing inflammation and healing any damage the inflammation may have caused. Consuming the right nutrients can also help boost immune system function.

There are also many supplements you can take to help heal your gut. These include GI Support Vanilla, SBI Support (available in powder or capsules), Saccharomyces Boulardii, and many others. Consuming organic bone broth is another great way to help heal the lining of your gut and reduce inflammation. Bone broth also contains amino acids and collagen that can help improve gut health and digestion.

Eating a diet rich in natural foods and low in processed foods and keeping your immune system healthy can help reduce inflammation which may help reduce your risk of developing many different health conditions. Getting rid of bad gut habits is a great step towards better health. When it comes to nutrition and lifestyle changes, every little bit helps. Healing takes time, but you’ll be glad you did it!

You can listen to our What Gut Type Are You? podcast here. You can also listen to this podcast on our YouTube channel here.

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Artificial Sweeteners

Gummy bears as an example of artificial sweeteners.

Artificial sweeteners can be found in many different foods, drinks, candies, and even some medications. You may think they are a good alternative to sugar, but they may actually be doing more harm. Artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame have been linked to the development of birth defects, neurological diseases, obesity, diabetes, and some cancers. Let’s take a look at how our bodies react to different sweeteners.

Sucralose

The artificial sugar that gives Splenda its sweetness is called sucralose, and it can be found in a variety of foods and beverages like diet sodas, canned fruit, and sugar-free syrups and condiments. Sucralose is created through a chemical process that involves replacing three atoms on a sugar molecule with three chlorine atoms. This results in a sweet-tasting, calorie-free substance, but our bodies do not recognize it. The makers of sucralose claim that because it is indigestible it passes through your body without absorbing or doing any harm, meaning it is essentially calorie-free.

However, some animal studies done on the effects of sucralose in the body showed absorption rates as high as fifteen percent. Animal studies also showed a decrease in sperm count in male animals, decreased red blood cells, and increases in kidney issues, miscarriages, and deaths when sucralose was ingested daily. There have been very few studies done on humans about the effects of sucralose, with the longest study only lasting four days. So, we do not know what the long-term effects of daily consumption of sucralose could be.

Aspartame

Aspartame has a long, controversial history that is far too long to discuss in this article. It can be found in Equal and other brand-name artificial sweeteners. It is also in a wide variety of sugar-free food items like diet sodas and gum. Aspartame is a synthetic substance made up of two amino acids and something called a methyl ester bond. The two amino acids are phenylalanine and aspartic acid. While these amino acids are found in natural foods like meat, eggs, and fish, they are in much higher quantities in aspartame and are in unnatural proportions.

When aspartame is ingested, the body metabolizes it into the two amino acids. It breaks down into phenylalanine and aspartic acid, and is also broken down into methanol. Methanol is considered extremely toxic to humans because it breaks down into formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and it can have negative affects on the nervous system, vision, and gastrointestinal system.

Aspartame is also classified as an excitotoxin. Excitotoxins are compounds that essentially “excite” cells to death. They can stimulate nerve cells and brain cells until they become damaged or die. MSG (monosodium glutamate) is another example of an excitotoxin. Excitotoxins may contribute to the development of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s

What Should I Eat Instead of Artificial Sweeteners?

We recommend eating a balanced diet containing plenty of organic fruits and vegetables, grass-fed meat, and good fats like organic coconut oil and olive oil. If you decide to eat something sweet, make sure that it is free of artificial sweeteners. Be especially wary of food and drink items labeled sugar-free as they usually contain some type of artificial sweetener. Reading ingredient labels on packaged foods and drinks is a great habit to get into. A few natural alternative sweeteners are stevia, monkfruit extract, erythritol, and xylitol. Erythritol and xylitol are sugar alcohols and can cause digestive upset in some people. So, limit consumption of these, and avoid them if you notice any diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues after consuming them.

The Takeaway

If you had been choosing artificial sweeteners in an effort to control your blood sugar, remember that the consumption of artificial sweeteners has been linked to the development of diabetes, and may not be a good alternative. Eliminating sugar and artificial sweeteners from your diet is even more important if you are diabetic or have prediabetes. Certain supplements like CM Core and Diaxinol may also help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

If you are going to drink a soda, it is far safer to drink a soda made with sugar than a diet soda that contains artificial sweeteners. However, you should still limit your sugar consumption as much as you can. Some of the research is lacking on the potential harmful effects of different artificial sweeteners. So, it may be good to play it safe and consume only natural foods and sweeteners. We encourage you to read ingredient labels and research ingredients you don’t recognize, the answers may surprise you!

You can listen to our Bad Magic – Artificial Sweeteners podcast here. You can also listen to this podcast on our YouTube channel here.

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Adrenal Insufficiency

Tired woman; possible adrenal insufficiency.

Poor adrenal function is something we discuss frequently because it can have a big impact on overall health and well-being, and it is also one of the most common undiagnosed medical issues. Poor adrenal function can be hard to diagnose because it shares symptoms with many other medical conditions, but it is important to know the symptoms. Let’s look at what the adrenal glands and cortisol do, some causes of low cortisol, and what we can do about it.

Adrenal Glands and Cortisol

The adrenal glands are two small glands located on top of each kidney, and they are responsible for producing several different hormones including cortisol and adrenaline. Cortisol is often called the stress hormone because it is released when we experience stress due to physical exertion, traumatic events, or even something as simple as running late. Cortisol also plays an important role in regulating metabolism and blood sugar, reducing inflammation and forming memories, but as with other hormones, it needs to be balanced. Many people have too little or too much cortisol, and both come with negative impacts.

Adrenal insuffiency, or poorly functioning adrenal glands, usually leads to low cortisol. Low cortisol can cause low blood sugar, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, low blood pressure, nausea, abdominal pain, trouble sleeping, depression, anxiety, etc. Low cortisol can affect a person’s well-being and energy levels, making it difficult to exercise, be productive at work, and can make it difficult to perform small tasks like getting out of bed or going to the store.

Causes

The causes of adrenal insufficiency can be hard to pinpoint. Arguably the most common cause is chronic stress which can put a strain on the adrenal glands, eventually causing them to produce less hormones than they are supposed to. It may also be caused by an autoimmune disorder that affects the adrenal glands. If the autoimmune reaction targets the adrenals, it can damage them and prevent them from functioning correctly. Lack of sleep and a poor diet may also contribute to impaired adrenal function because it contributes to stress, and poor sleep and nutrition can make it difficult for your body to repair any damage that may occur.

What to Do?

There are some things you can do to help ensure your adrenals have the right nutrients to help them function correctly. This includes getting at least eight hours of sleep per night, drinking plenty of filtered water each day, eating a diet high in organic fruits and vegetables, avoiding processed food and excessive amounts of sugar, and supplementing with herbs and vitamins that help regulate adrenal function. Some supplements we recommend are:

  • Adrenal Response Complete Care – Excellent formula containing adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha that may help balance cortisol levels.
  • Pantothenic Acid Complex – This formula contains Cordyceps, Rhodiola Extract, Eleuthero Extract, and Pantothenic Acid to help support adrenal function.

Having adrenal insufficiency can make the smallest tasks difficult to complete, but giving your adrenals the sleep and nutrients it needs can go a long way!

If you are experiencing serious symptoms, or have a sudden change in symptoms, you should see a doctor right away to rule out more serious conditions.

You can listen to our Common Signs of Adrenal Insufficiency podcast here. You can also listen to it on our YouTube channel here.

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Common Signs of Adrenal Insufficiency

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Poor adrenal function is something we discuss frequently because it can have a big impact on overall health and well-being, and it is also one of the most common undiagnosed medical issues. Poor adrenal function can be hard to diagnose because it shares symptoms with many other medical conditions, but it is important to know the symptoms. In this article we’ll discuss some of the common signs of adrenal insufficiency, things like:

  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Changes in Appetite
  • Weight Loss
  • Digestive Issues
  • Low Blood Pressure
  • Dizziness or Fainting
  • Mood Changes
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Headaches
  • Cravings for Salty Foods
  • Low Blood Sugar
  • Trouble Sleeping, which leads to always feeling tired
  • Sweating and night-sweating
  • Missed Menstrual or Irregular Periods
  • Low Libido

There are some things you can do to help ensure your adrenals have the right nutrients to help them function correctly. This includes getting at least eight hours of sleep per night, drinking plenty of filtered water each day, and eating a diet high in organic fruits and vegetables. You should also avoid processed food and excessive amounts of sugar, and try supplementing with herbs and vitamins that may help regulate adrenal function.

Product Mentioned in Today’s Show:

Adrenal Response Complete Care – Sensoril® is a patented stress management extract that may help to nutritionally support metabolic processes associated with stress, restlessness and fatigue.

Lab Mentioned in Today’s Show:

Comprehensive Panel – Comprehensive Panel w Consult panel contains 13 tests with 102 biomarkers.

You can also listen to our Common Signs of Adrenal Insufficiency episode on our YouTube channel here.

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How Stress Ages Us

Chronic stress affects many people and can be caused by financial struggles, marital issues, health issues, demanding careers, or a number of other different things. We may think chronic stress just makes us tired and more agitated, but we often don’t consider the effects it can have on our body. Stress can age us and increase our risk of developing certain diseases, but why? Let’s talk about what happens when we’re stressed, and what we can do about it.

Adrenal Glands, Cortisol, and Adrenaline

Being overworked, fighting with your spouse, experiencing financial difficulties, being sleep deprived, having nutritional deficiencies, or dealing with emotional disorders like depression and anxiety can all contribute to stress. When you are stressed, your adrenal glands release cortisol and adrenaline. When adrenaline is released, a person typically experiences an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, and may feel more energy for a short period of time. This can be helpful in a dangerous situation, but a chronic release of adrenaline can damage the heart, and may even contribute to vision and hearing loss due to the effects of prolonged blood vessel constriction.

Cortisol also gets released during times of stress and it can help regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and metabolism, and can help reduce inflammation. However, it needs to be released in the right amounts or it can have some negative effects on your health, as is the case with high or low cortisol. Low cortisol, also called adrenal fatigue, may be due to an underlying health condition, but the most common cause is being stressed for such a long period of time that your adrenal glands essentially “burn out”. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing and releasing certain hormones, and are critical to your health. They also control the “fight-or-flight” response, and release hormones accordingly. However, when we stay in the “fight-or-flight” (stressed out) mode for too long, our adrenal glands get tired, and greatly decrease the amount of cortisol they produce and release. This can lead to depression, food cravings, low blood pressure, irritability, diarrhea, etc.

Conversely, high cortisol usually occurs before adrenal fatigue develops. Being stressed leads to a release of cortisol, and a continual release of cortisol due to chronic stress can cause high blood pressure, osteoporosis, depression, irritability, muscle weakness, increased thirst, etc. Keeping your stress levels down can help keep your cortisol levels balanced.

Aging

The ways in which chronic stress age us physically can be complicated, and the research is still ongoing, but there are a few things we know. Stress can damage DNA and lead to an increased risk of developing conditions like heart disease, Parkinson’s, and cancer. Vision and hearing may also be affected by stress due to the prolonged release of adernaline as discussed above. Adrenaline causes blood vessels to constrict, potentially reducing the blood flow to the eyes and ears.

Stress can also speed up the aging process in some indirect ways. When a person experiences stress they are more likey to crave unhealthy foods and alcohol, less likely to engage in exercise, and may find it more difficult to get enough quality sleep each night. Each of these things can speed up the aging process, contribute to a lower quality-of-life, and increase a person’s risk of developing certain conditions.

Reducing Stress

There are a few things you can do that may help reduce stress. Meditation, taking a relaxing bath, taking a walk, spending time with loved ones, taking a nap, or finding a calming hobby can all help reduce stress. If your stress is work-related, try to keep your workspace organized and know what needs to be done each day. If you are dealing with financial struggles, try creating a budget plan. Simply reminding yourself that something isn’t worth being stressed out over may also help.

Chronic stress is a problem affecting millions of people, and it can have lasting impacts on physical and mental health. Eating a balanced diet high in organic fruits and vegetables, and gettting at least seven hours of quality sleep every night can help provide the nutrients and energy you need to face the day, and can help increase your body’s ability to handle stress. It is so important to reduce stress whenever possible, so find time to take care of yourself every day.