Body: The holidays continue to loom closer and the financial and social pressure seem to grow affecting our emotional health and placing additional stress on our already over-taxed bodies. Energy levels wane, fatigue grows, and sleeping habits can suffer. And we often become so wrapped up in day-to-day living that we forget the negative burden that stress and its associated symptoms place on our health and well-being. In fact, research has shown that stress can lead to the development of chronic conditions within a few years. (Statistics Canada 2001) Stress, or â€distress,†triggers the body’s biological response to perceived threat or danger, commonly known as â€fight or flight.†Specific biochemical reactions take place (increase in heart rate and blood pressure, muscle tension, pupil dilation, rise in blood sugar levels and other necessary response mechanisms) in order to survive. The body reacts similarly to psychological and emotional stresses, whether social and work pressures, financial uncertainty or even anxiety being key instigators. The continued demands placed on the adrenal glands over time wreak havoc with our health, negatively affecting the mind and body, altering the body chemistry, and creating imbalance in the short and long terms. Changes can be subtle, including increasing fatigue and lethargy, irritability, anxiety, muscle aches and pains. Gradually other symptoms may develop, such as difficulty to relax, loss of motivation and productivity, sleep disturbances, and a lack of libido. Methods to alleviate holiday stress and improve overall wellbeing don’t always have to include prescription medications. Simple lifestyle modifications, such as exercise and social support, and proper nutrition through a healthy diet and supplementation can be successful strategies: Food Affects Mood: What you eat can affect how you feel, and conversely, how you feel can influence the foods you choose. Overall health and emotional wellness are directly linked to the intake of essential nutrients via a healthy diet consisting of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean, quality protein, and healthy fats. Reduce or remove foods high in sugar, and refined and pre-packaged convenience foods. Invest in a daily high-potency multi-vitamin like the nutrition house extra. The B vitamins support the nervous system, reducing anxiety and irritability while the added Siberian ginseng is an excellent tonic for the body helping to alleviate the effects of stress. Stimulants can Aggravate: A breakfast consisting of coffee and bagel can give you the jolt to get you moving, but unfortunately, the sugar and caffeine content may only increase anxiety and stress as these stimulants negatively impact on the central nervous system. A whey protein smoothie for breakfast is an excellent start to the day. Studies show that whey protein can help reduce stress by increasing serotonin (â€feel good†hormone) levels. Whey protein is an excellent lean quality protein that helps increase immunity. It is great for the whole family! Feed Your Brain: Essential fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA from fish oil, are healthy omega-3 fats that tend to be deficient in most diets. DHA is found in high concentrations in the brain. Studies have found that people with low levels of DHA tend to have higher levels of depression. Supplementation of these vital nutrients can improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, support brain health, and improve mood and focus. Your nutrition house omega-3 EFA’s are the highest potency pharmaceutical grade fish oil available in the natural health industry. 5-HTP is an amino acid that the body uses to manufacture serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulation of mood and behaviour. Balanced levels of serotonin create feelings of calmness and relaxation while too little can lead to irritability and frustration. Supplementation of 5HTP has been shown to improve sleep, and reduce anxiety levels and symptoms of depression. Restful Sleep: L-theanine is an amino acid derived from green tea. This non-stimulating supplement can improve mental calmness, learning ability and quality sleep by increasing alpha brain wave activity. L-theanine is ideal for individuals who have trouble sleeping and often awaken feeling sluggish. Melatonin is a hormone that helps control the sleep/wake cycle. It can be used in the fight against insomnia as it plays an important role in the induction of sleep.
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