Stress is the number one driver to chronic disease. It’s important we support our body in becoming more resilient.
Cortisol a.k.a the stress hormone can control blood sugar levels, regulate metabolism, reduce inflammation, assist with memory formulation, regulate salt/water balance and control blood pressure. Ever had it when you go on holiday and you always get sick? That is because cortisol is a protectant. In moments of high sustained stress it’s triggered in helping you fight, but once it lowers you can become immunocompromised.
- 1. Whole Foods – avoid processed foods, additives, e numbers, sugar, alcohol and fizzy drinks. Focus on protein, 3-4 types of vegetables and some complex carbohydrates at each meal. Stress naturally breeds poor eating habits so will power is incredibly important here. Feeding shit to a stressed body will lead to metabolic havoc!
- 2. Ashwangda – a potent adaptogen contains chemicals that help calm the brain, reduce swelling, lower blood pressure, and alter the immune system. It is used to help the body resist physical and mental stress.
- 3. Deep Breathing/ Meditation – 3 deep belly breaths instantly activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest). Breathe in for 4, hold for 4 and breathe out for 4.
- 4. Cold Water Therapy – a.k.a hormetic stress, the good kind of stress that creates resilience in the body. Start with simply ending your shower on cold for as long as you can manage and build up.
- 5. Don’t smash the stimulants – caffeine can trigger cortisol which is why we get that wonderful alertness, when we have excess caffeine we experience prolonged elevations of cortisol which can be detrimental. Aim for 1x coffee a day before midday and don’t have on any empty stomach.
- 6. B Complex – B vitamins are crucial for our stress response and energy as they help maintain a healthy nervous system.They work by providing the body with energy after a period of stress.
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