A lovely lady said to me yesterday, "Maybe it's just a silly little thing like hormones..."
Chill out on the cardio time |
Most of your immune system is housed in your gut. When you get stressed (physically and mentally), hormones including cortisol take a big toll on the ability of the immune system to function. Raised cortisol levels send the message to your body "start storing fat - we're in stress and survival mode here!"
So here's what to do, in a nutshell, and PLEASE if you are stressed on a regular basis, or depressed, PLEASE see your doctor and be brave enough to ask for assistance!
- Adopt an exercise class or routine that is nurturing and non-stressful to your body (yoga, pilates, tai chi)
- Cut down on caffeine (including coke, chocolate, "energy" drinks)
- Moderate sugar intake and highly processed foods (anything wrapped in plastic!)
- Take a multivitamin and omega 3 supplements (fish oil or flaxseed)
Fish oil supplements |
I recently read about a supplement (possibly a herb) that's supposed to help with reducing the cortisol overnight... Rhodiala I think. It sounds great, but part of my stress is brought on by health anxiety ( I worry that i'm going to be allergic to something) so I'm not game to try it. And I think this health anxiety is brought on by hormone imbalances.. vicious circle!
ReplyDeleteNo herb or supplement will be a magic pill. Getting anxious over trying to be healthy can make you even more anxious! I recommend just being aware of what is good for you and taking time to do things you enjoy rather than feeling like you're constantly under pressure.
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