Ken Babal, C.N.

Stress Management

The world is a stressful place. We are constantly forced to adapt to life's rapid pace, changes in technology and the demands of family and job. I was looking at a list of some of the most stressful events, and of course you see some of the obvious ones-jail time, divorce, death of a spouse, getting fired and so on. But also on the list were things you might not expect-Christmas and other holidays, vacations, marriage, retirement and even a change in eating habits. Anything that requires us to make readjustments of time or attention can be stressful.

Have you ever noticed that some people are stimulated by these challenges while others struggle to cope? Part of it has to do with how we interpret the change. Do we feel like we are in control, or do we feel powerless? Hans Selye, a famous researcher on the nature of stress, said, "There are no stressful situations, only stressful reactions."

You have three choices: You can eliminate the stress (shoot your husband!), you can escape from stress (quit your stressful job) or you can change how you react to the stress. That's probably easier said than done. But if you are aware of what stress is doing to you, you can say I'm not going to let this affect me.

In nature, animals respond to stress with what is called "fight or flight syndrome." The animal does battle or flees. In humans, this urge is channeled inward. With animals, things return to normal after the threat and it goes on with its business. Often with humans, the stress is chronic and really never goes away. And it is the chronic stress that is so damaging to health.

Because stress is so prevalent in modern life we need to practice stress modification techniques, whether it is exercise, meditation, yoga or prayer. We also have to eliminate as much dietary stress as possible. It also helps to understand how proper supplementation can help the body resist and recover from stress.

Stress comes in three forms: physical, mental and emotional. It has an extremely powerful effect on health. A healthy person adapts to stress without too much trouble. But when it is extreme or prolonged, it invites disease and can kill.

Studies show that stress depresses the immune system, shortens life span and clearly ages people before their time. Common symptoms are ulcers, heart attack, tooth grinding, headache, digestive problems, fatigue, exhaustion, inflammation and illness. Many of the disorders related to stress are not a result of the stress itself, but of nutrient deficiencies caused by an increased metabolic rate. The body has higher demands for all nutrients, with B vitamins and C being used up the quickest. For example, in just one moment of stress, vitamin C levels can become depleted. We know that animals produce huge amounts of ascorbate when under stress. We humans, however, cannot synthesize it and therefore must obtain it from food and supplements. Also, because stress is a catabolic condition that causes tissues to be broken down for energy, extra protein is needed for repair.

Ten Commandments

Stress Management

1. Practice stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, yoga or prayer.

2. Cut back on obligations and make time for yourself. Work at 80 percent rather than 110 percent of maximum.

3. Obtain 8 hours sleep each night.

4. Consume adequate protein and essential fats. Eliminate dietary stressors such as refined sugars and carbohydrates and excessive amounts of high-glycemic foods (bread, potatoes).

5. Eliminate coffee and other stimulants.

6. Take a multiple vitamin-mineral supplement to compensate for increased need of essential nutrients. Complement with extra vitamin C and pantothenic acid.

7. Use adaptogenic/tonic herbs routinely to nourish glands and organs and help return altered body conditions to normal. Best choices are ginseng, ashwaganda, suma, schisandra, rhodiola, astragalus, reishi mushroom or a combination product.

8. Use calming herbs and nutrients when feeling anxious and stressed. Best choices are calcium and magnesium, GABA, theanine, inositol, passion flower, skullcap, hops, valerian or a combination product.

9. For exhaustion and low stamina, supplement with adrenal tissue extract.

10. Remember: there are no stressful situations-only stressful reactions!