Stress releases toxins into the bloodstream.
The effects of elevated levels of cortisol,the hormone produced from stress–are virtually endless. Pain, headaches and fatigue are common, as well as weight problems and immune system malfunctions.
There are new studies every day that link stress and other negative emotional patterns to every form of illness and lack of well being. Most of your neurotransmitters are in your gut which is where stress is particularly harmful. Have you ever been so upset that your ‘stomach’ hurt, you felt nauseated or just tight down there? The stress chemicals circulate through your body affecting every organ and system in the body.
I personally think that my Multiple Chemical Sensitivity was what weakened my immune system and my body’s ability to digest food which lead to a decreased ability to process toxins. I had long term stress, was in a relationship where I argued a lot and suffered the death of a loved one all at the time I became ill. I was eating well and exercising and wasn’t even aware that my stress level was any big deal, until I started hunting for causes for how I could be so sick. I think that going to therapy and eliminating stress was one of the main reasons I recovered. I had a friend who almost died from some kind of immune system trouble who told me it was the stress and that he completely recovered with a good therapist. That was good enough for me, so I added that to my wellness program.
Some Physical manifestations of toxic stress:
- Stress is a much more serious indicator for the likelihood of a heart attack than cholesterol or anything else. This is why we once saw men with heart attacks in the old days. In the modern world , where women have kids and big jobs, it’s the number one cause of death. The increased adrenalin level no longer comes down and this can ruin your health.
- The blood pressure and heart rate stay elevated wearing down the circulatory system and leading to hypertension and heart failure.
- Digestive symptoms like discomfort, alternating constipation, bloating, diarrhea, leaky guy and malabsorption of nutrients.
- Chronic increase of stress hormones, like cortisol, makes platelets more prone to aggregate and mobilize energy in the bloodstream and increase the level of fat and LDL type of cholesterol which leads to the formation of plaque.
- Muscles remain tense and ready for the “fight or flight,” but the stress on the muscles is not good for the cells.
- Cortisol inhibits the thymus function and the innate immune response. Stress induces a miscommunication between the brain and the immune system, weakening the body’s response to infections and even cancer.
- This causes an increased predisposition for ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome, changes in appetite, eating too much or too little.
- Stress is linked to cancer and every illness.
The great news is that we can decrease our stress and change our lives. Really dealing with stress is not a luxury, its a necessity for health. Having fun is essential for good for you.
Some helpful things to aid in relieving stress are:
1. Psychotherapy–uncover hidden reasons for stress and stressors
2. Eliminate or change how you deal with toxic relationships that stress you out, piss you off or make you feel bad
3. Do Yoga– I like Restorative Yoga..its just lying down in ways that make you relax!!
4. Meditate
5. Work out, dance, take walks, or find a physical activity that you like
6. Make sure you get enough of the calming vitamins and minerals like Calcium, Vitamin D, Magnesium and the B Vitamins
7. Eat well– the brain needs a lot of nutrition
8. Have fun, laugh, be with people you like and do things that you enjoy
9. Sauna, massage, acupuncture, aromatherapy, etc.
10. Breathe deeply as often as you can remember
11. Positive affirmations– this will change your outlook. Masaru Emoto posits that molecular structure of water can be changed by intent and words. My friend said that the body is mostly made up of water, so we can change it by talking to it. That makes sense to me.
12. Epsom Salts –take hot baths or showers, especially with Epsom Salts and other bath treats.
13. Don’t try to be perfect at reducing stress!!!
14. Get a pet! that’s what I am about to do.
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