It May Not Be What You’re Eating But What’s Eating You

The next pillar we’ll talk about is Emotional Well-Being. Did you know that stress contributes to many health issues? Long-term unrelenting stress adds to inflammation in the body. As a result of chronic inflammation, the body can fall into a dis-ease state.

Stress produces a chemical reaction in the body that activates the fight, flight or freeze response. When that happens in the face of real physical danger it’s a useful tool. It helps to remove you from the imminent danger, but once the danger is gone the reaction should abate. Unfortunately, in our stress-filled existence, that reaction rarely if ever, stops.

What is the short-term impact?

Short-term, when we are in a stressful situation, our blood pressure increases, our heart races and our breathing becomes shallow. These all work to help us overcome or escape from the perceived danger and then when the danger is no longer there, everything should go back to normal. But when our lives are relentlessly full of stress, nothing goes back to normal.

What is the long-term impact?

When we are under never-ending stress for hours, days, weeks, and even months, the impact is significant.  It can affect blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol among other markers. It causes insomnia, disordered eating, depression and many other issues. It can also cause your body to hold on to unwanted pounds.

When we work together we develop strategies to minimize and manage unavoidable stress. These are important strategies to keep you healthy and on track to meet your health goals.

We’ll discuss the other Pillars of Success in the coming posts. If you would like to know what I do in more detail, please feel free to click here to schedule a complimentary call.

In my practice, I work with women who are living with or are at risk for developing heart disease or other chronic illness that can be managed through lifestyle and nutrition changes to prevent or possibly even reverse such conditions.

To schedule a ‘no strings attached’ free consultation with me please click here. We’ll discuss your specific health challenges and come up with some next steps for you to follow. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.