FOODS THAT DE-STRESS
Your body responds to stress with increased production of adrenal stress hormones and these hormones are responsible for many of the symptoms we associate with stress: elevation of blood pressure, muscle tension, digestive upsets, etc. Overproduction of adrenal stress hormones can also lead to nutritional deficiencies and an exhausted adrenal gland. When the adrenal gland is exhausted, this can alter your response to stress and lead to chronic exhaustion and anxiety. Because of the importance of the adrenal gland for proper nutrition and the stress response, nutrient rich foods that support adrenal gland function are particularly beneficial for stress reduction.
Herbs to help you cope
My patients have reported great results using the following.
Note: Do not use extracts of panax (Chinese) or American ginseng if you have high blood pressure.
Vitamins and minerals
Your body’s levels of these key nutrients plummet during times of stress. Try the following anti-stress package to be taken daily:
TEAS FOR TENSION
Herbal teas can be very effective at relieving many stress symptoms. These teas are derived from the flowers, leaves, seeds, stalks, stems and roots of plants. They contain natural substances that nourish the central nervous and glandular systems. Give them a try.
Find which ones work best for you.
POOR IMMUNITY SYSTEM SELF-CHECK
Is this you?
A diet high in processed and/or sugary foods
Allergies or food sensitivities
Amalgam dental fillings
Close family members with a degenerative illness
Exposure to poor-quality air on a daily basis
Feeling tired or under the weather most of the time
Frequent colds or flu
Gastro-intestinal problems
Lack of exercise
Less than eight hours’ sleep a night/Insomnia
Living in or near a major city or a busy high street
Living near electricity pylons, mobile phone masts or a nuclear power plant
Living under constant stress
Recurring thrush or yeast infections
Regular consumption of tap water, fizzy drinks or sodas
Signs of premature ageing
Smoking and/or drinking alcohol frequently
Teethmarks or scalloped edging round the sides of your tongue
Using a computer or mobile phone every day
Using a microwave oven regularly
The more questions you answer ‘yes’ to, the more impaired your immune system is likely to be.
IMMUNE BOOSTERS
Sprouted broccoli seeds
Scientists have discovered that sprouted broccoli seeds contain 30–50 times more active and more absorbable levels of specific antioxidant immune properties than regular non-sprouted broccoli. (Regular broccoli is still really good for you, though, and I highly recommend it.) Sprouted broccoli seeds are high in sulforophane, a powerful antioxidant. They boost long lasting immune support. Eat these sprouts twice weekly.
Astragalus
500mg twice daily provides an immunity tonic which maintains our defences. This super herbal food raises the body’s resistance to external pathogens and strengthens your body’s effectiveness in fighting viruses and infections.
Ginseng root
Ginseng is a nutritive tonic. It neutralizes the effects of free radicals (destructive molecules) during periods of stress. It sends messages through the immune system, acting as a catalyst for the release of certain hormones essential for immune defence.
Reishi and shiitake mushrooms
Use in soups, stews and as a side dish. These incredible mushrooms are a natural source of a protein which induces immune reponse. They contain a compound called lentinal which mobilizes our natural defences, and protect the body by lowering heat toxins created from overly acid diets. They are also an excellent source of the antoxidant Germanium which supports your immune system.
Oregon Grape
Easily obtainable from a health store, it contains a compound called berberine which supports the fight against nasty bacteria.
Olive Leaf
This herb contains an effective natural antibiotic support against dozens of bacteria strains.
Ginger Root
Ginger nurtures the regulation of compounds important for immunity. It has a soothing, antiseptic support action on the body’s ability to handle external wind and cold.
Licorice Root
This herb and tea helps to counteract the immune suppressive effects of stress. It also moisturizes and soothes immune organ membranes.
Lemon Peel
Place the peel of a lemon and squeeze a little of the flesh juice into a cup of warm water.
Pau D’Arco tea
This tea contains an active compound called lapachol, which is anti fungal, anti parasitic and anti microbial. It also helps to maintain the integrity of red blood cells and other immune supporting organs. If you ever feel under the weather, this is the tea for you.
Echinacea
Echinacea helps to maintain immunity and clear infections. It is available in tincture, tablet and tea form, best to take in rotation; one week on, one week off.
STRESS-RELATED BACKACHES ON THE RISE
My clinical experience tells me that backaches are on the rise due to stress and poor nutrition. It is worth considering that the spine is a major pathway for the nerves of the body. All emotional, psychological and physical stresses can therefore manifest in the back, especially the lower back – the seat of your kidneys. The kidneys are a purification system for the body. When you are under stress or your body is malnourished from a poor diet, the kidneys have to work overtime and their purifying system may not work as efficiently. Therefore, nutrition can play a vital role in the prevention of backaches.
Nutritional Backache Help