Vitamins to Assist in Dealing with Stress
Stress is a major factor in disease where physical symptoms are prompted by mental or
emotional problems. Stress related disorders make up 50 to 80% of all illness (although stress
may not be the only cause). Illnesses affected by stress include:
- high blood pressure,
- heart disease,
- arthritis,
- asthma,
- insomnia and other sleep disturbances,
- eating disorders,
- eczema and
- ulcers.
Most of us think of stress as being tense or worrying in situations. However, it is more wide
ranging and can include:
- environmental factors, such as pollution, noise, housing problems, cold or over heating;
- physical stresses, such as illness, injury, an inadequate diet that is too high in refined foods, additives or toxins (such as alcohol or caffeine);
- mental stress, such as problems with a relationship, financial worries, job difficulties or redundancy; and
- many, many more.
All of these have an impact on the body causing it to make a series of changes in response to the stressor.
How does your body react to stress?
When you get stressed do you:
- perspire,
- feel cold and get sweaty palms,
- breathe faster,
- suffer gastrointestinal symptoms, such as, diarrhea,
- get tension headaches,
- clench your jaw and grind your teeth,
- become upset, angry, irritable or impatient,
- experience muscle tension such as a stiff neck,
- experience facial twitches,
- feel nervous and jittery, and
- find your heart beats faster.
If you answered 'yes' to most or many of these questions it could be that your reaction to
stress will be having an adverse impact on your immune system.
What you can do to help
- Avoid the intake of stimulants (such as caffeine) or depressants (such as alcohol) and refined foods,
- avoid smoking - if you do smoke try to give it up,
- avoid alcohol - stress will increase your nutritional needs and alcohol will reduce nutrient availability,
- eat fresh, whole food and plenty of fruit and vegetables,
- get plenty of exercise,
- get plenty of sleep (at least try to be in bed for six to eight hours),
- herbs, such as chamomile, verbena and valerian can help relive some of the symptoms of stress,
- take the time to enjoy life and replenish your energy levels,
- identify the short-term stresses in your life and find areas that you can change to reduce the stress,
- manage your work overload and job related stress,
- plan ahead to reduce any performance stress,
- find a support group or person who can help you work through the issues underlying the stress,
- massage, meditation, relaxation exercise and yoga will assist in the relieving tension, and
- take vitamin and mineral supplements.
Vitamin and mineral supplements to deal with stress
The following vitamins and minerals can assist in dealing with stress and the adverse affects
of stress on the immune system.
- Vitamin B complex. The B group vitamins are often depleted by stress and these vitamins are important for ensuring that the nervous and immune systems are able to function effectively.
- Vitamin C will provide the immune and nervous systems with a boost during stress. This will make you feel fitter and healthier.
- Coenzyme Q10 helps to improve energy production.
- Zinc is an important mineral which can help restore and maintain a healthy immune system.
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References
Aesoph, L. 2001 6 Steps for Handling Stress, Health World Online, June 2001.
Bland, J. 1996, Contemporary Nutrition. J & B Associates.
Davies, S. and A. Stewart., 1997, Nutritional Medicine. Pan.
Holden, S., Hudson, K., Tilman, J. & D. Wolf, 2003, The Ultimate Guide to Health from Nature. Asrolog Publication.
Pressman, A. and S. Buff, 2000, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. (2nd Ed.) Alpha Books.
Soothill, R. 1996, The Choice Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. A Choice Book Publication.
Sullivan, K. 2002, Vitamins and Minerals: A Practical Approach to a Health Diet and Safe Supplementation. Harper Collins.
Wu, L. 2004, Increase your Immunity. Glow, Issue 1 2004.
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