By Cathy Burke, RYT
One of the top contributors to heart
disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and a variety of chronic conditions,
stress has become a part of life. Who hasn’t experienced the symptoms of
stress—anxiety, fatigue, stomach problems, sweating, racing heart,
shortness of breath, irritability and insomnia? With a little awareness
and effort, however, we can take steps to keep the effect of stress to a
minimum.
disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and a variety of chronic conditions,
stress has become a part of life. Who hasn’t experienced the symptoms of
stress—anxiety, fatigue, stomach problems, sweating, racing heart,
shortness of breath, irritability and insomnia? With a little awareness
and effort, however, we can take steps to keep the effect of stress to a
minimum.
Nutrition plays an important role in
stress regulation. In addition to ensuring that the body receives
adequate amounts of vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins and fats, some
specific nutrients may assist in staving off the effects of stress.
stress regulation. In addition to ensuring that the body receives
adequate amounts of vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins and fats, some
specific nutrients may assist in staving off the effects of stress.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C supplementation may reduce blood levels of stress-related hormones.1-4 The
recommended dosage varies depending on the individual need, intensity
of stress, and other lifestyle factors. Typically, 1,000-1,500 mg per
day is appropriate for a healthy individual dealing with a stressful
time or situation. Levels above 2,000 mg are reserved for more severe
cases such as surgery or specific complaints. Too much vitamin C may
cause diarrhea—a common sign that supplementation should be reduced.
recommended dosage varies depending on the individual need, intensity
of stress, and other lifestyle factors. Typically, 1,000-1,500 mg per
day is appropriate for a healthy individual dealing with a stressful
time or situation. Levels above 2,000 mg are reserved for more severe
cases such as surgery or specific complaints. Too much vitamin C may
cause diarrhea—a common sign that supplementation should be reduced.
Omega 3 fatty acids
Deficiency in omega 3 fatty acids may contribute to behaviors such as aggression during stressful periods.5- 7
Daily supplementation for three months with 1.5-1.8 grams of
docosahexaenoic acid or DHA (found in cold water fatty fish, spinach,
seaweed, and soybeans) may prevent an increase in aggression during
stressful situations.
Daily supplementation for three months with 1.5-1.8 grams of
docosahexaenoic acid or DHA (found in cold water fatty fish, spinach,
seaweed, and soybeans) may prevent an increase in aggression during
stressful situations.
Rhodiola
Thought to increase the body’s
resistance to stress and enhance mental and physical function, Rhodiola
has been shown in animal and human trials to protect against mental
decline caused by physical stress.10-14 One study showed,
however, that when participants stopped the supplement for two weeks,
then started it again, they did not receive the same benefit from the
herb.15
resistance to stress and enhance mental and physical function, Rhodiola
has been shown in animal and human trials to protect against mental
decline caused by physical stress.10-14 One study showed,
however, that when participants stopped the supplement for two weeks,
then started it again, they did not receive the same benefit from the
herb.15
Tyrosine
An amino acid used to produce adrenal stress hormones and neurotransmitters, tyrosine has been shown to decline with stress.16
To maintain mental capacity, taking 150 mg per 2.2 lbs of body weight,
can be taken occasionally prior to stressful activity – it is
recommended that this amount be split between two doses taken 40-90
minutes apart.17- 21
To maintain mental capacity, taking 150 mg per 2.2 lbs of body weight,
can be taken occasionally prior to stressful activity – it is
recommended that this amount be split between two doses taken 40-90
minutes apart.17- 21
MVM Complex
A multivitamin-mineral supplement shows
benefit in reducing the effects of stress including improved mood,
concentration and well being, as well as reduced anxiety and fatigue.22, 23, 24, 25
benefit in reducing the effects of stress including improved mood,
concentration and well being, as well as reduced anxiety and fatigue.22, 23, 24, 25
In addition, adding a probiotic formula
to your diet during stressful periods may assist in offsetting other
effects of stress. It is believed that stress depletes the beneficial
bacteria in the intestines,26, 27 which may explain the contribution of stress to problems such as irritable bowel syndrome.
to your diet during stressful periods may assist in offsetting other
effects of stress. It is believed that stress depletes the beneficial
bacteria in the intestines,26, 27 which may explain the contribution of stress to problems such as irritable bowel syndrome.
While pursuing specific nutrients to
assist the body in coping with times of high stress, make sure that you
and your patients are eating a healthy, whole, well-balanced diet low in
simple sugars and processed foods. Such a diet will provide a basis to
assist the body in preventing and combating a variety of problems,
including stress.
assist the body in coping with times of high stress, make sure that you
and your patients are eating a healthy, whole, well-balanced diet low in
simple sugars and processed foods. Such a diet will provide a basis to
assist the body in preventing and combating a variety of problems,
including stress.
Acknowledgment
The author is grateful to Dr. James Gerber for his help in providing sources for the article.
References
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