Stress in life is normal but one in ten of us feels permanently stressed and that is dangerous, so here's seven solutions that will help you and your body to relax and heal.
Stress in life is normal but one in ten of us feels permanently stressed
and that is dangerous.
Going into flight or fight mode – where your body is flooded with adrenaline and the stress hormone cortisol – is designed to protect us from danger.
But long-term stress is bad for you. Here are seven warning signs...
and solutions.
1. Bad skin
Stress can cause or worsen common skin conditions. Cortisol is thought to trigger the release of inflammatory compounds by skin
cells, contributing to conditions like psoriasis, atopic eczema , alopecia, rosacea and acne, which affect confidence and be can cause even more stress.
BEAT IT: A good sleep each night cuts down cortisol. And having less sugar reduces inflammation. If you get stress acne don’t aggravate your skin by picking it or over-exfoliating. Try a gentle moisturiser or
consult a dermatologist.
2. Lowered immunity
Cortisol suppresses immune cells, reducing our ability to fight germs and viruses. High stress can cause autoimmune conditions where the confused immune system attacks healthy cells.
BEAT IT: Boost your immune system with a healthy lifestyle. Don’t smoke, drink in moderation and embrace a healthy diet of fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Have regular health screenings.
3. Digestive discomfort
Our brain and digestive system are connected by the vagus nerve so stress often manifests in the gut. It’s one of the biggest triggers for irritable bowel syndrome and can disturb the mixture of bacteria in our guts, reducing the number of good strains.
BEAT IT: Take a good quality live bacteria supplement. Try Bio-Kult Advanced Multi-Strain Formula www.bio-kult.com. It has 14 different strains and can help replenish depleted beneficial gut flora.
4. Anxiety and depression
Both are linked to high stress levels. Very stressful periods often trigger panic attacks and low mood. Chronic stress affects memory and concentration and can make us feel panicked.
BEAT IT: Exercise is great. It produces endorphins – chemicals in the
brain that are natural painkillers. Try yoga. Deep breathing and internal focus can be helpful.
5. Food intolerances
Food intolerances can cause leaky gut, where larger food proteins
cross into circulation. This confuses the immune system, triggering an
inflammatory response when certain foods are eaten.
Stress also adds to the development of leaky gut, increasing the risk of food intolerance so the cycle starts all over again.
BEAT IT: Optimise your diet, get plenty of sleep and exercise.
6. Inosomnia
Despite feeling tired all day, many highly stressed people have trouble getting to sleep or sleeping through the night. It’s a vicious circle.Stressful situations are harder to cope with when you are tired, leading to further stress.
BEAT IT: Keep a regular bedtime. Create a peaceful sleep environment and do something relaxing, like having a warm bath, before bed. Reduce caffeine and don’t eat or drink anything too rich late at night.
7. Low libido/reduced fertility
The stress hormone cortisol is made from the same building blocks as the sex hormones oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. So if your body produces more cortisol it balances things out by making
fewer sex hormones. It’s why stress can also lower fertility.
BEAT IT: To increase arousal levels eat healthily, exercise regularly and get enough sleep. Talking openly to your partner about your problems can help to take the pressure off.
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