Stress

Ultrametabolism By Dr. Hyman

Stress does not get enough attention when related to health and weight loss.  We all have heard that we should reduce stress, but don't make many changes, because stress is just a part of life.  We are under a constant level of stress which leads to weight gain and a breakdown of health.  Following is a survey by Dr. Hyman which can be an indicator of how much stress you are coping with:

• Do you have low blood pressure?
• Do you get dizzy when you stand up?
• Have you been diagnosed with hypoglycemia?
• Do you have cravings for salt or sweets?
• Do you have dark circles under your eyes?
• Do you have trouble falling asleep and or staying asleep?
• do you feel groggy and not refreshed when you wake up?
• Do you experience mental fogginess or trouble concentrating?
• Do you get headaches?
• Do you get frequent infections (for example, colds)?
• Do you feel tire easily on doing any exercise or feel very fatigued after exercise?
• Do you often feel stressed?
• Do you have panic attacks or startle easily?

This list goes on - what it indicates is a stressed adrenal system.  When we are under so much stress, we lose the natural rhythm of our bodies.  We no longer sleep well, which leads to fatigue, which leads to sugar cravings, which leads to weight gain... and so on and so on.  To resolve this, we have to go back to simplifying our daily lives.  We need to slow down, support our systems with whole foods, water and supplements, get out in nature, and most of all, relax.  Stress affects every part of our lives.  Have a relaxing weekend - Shanna