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Read Dr. Elena Krasnov's Weekly Column in the Health & Fitness section of the 24 Hours Magazine. Look for new articles every week!

Monday, June 08, 2009

The Damaging Effects of Daily Stress

A: Dear Elena: My husband is always stressed and I am concerned about this health. He is also very stubborn and won't change his diet. Can you tell me the top 4 things to help him reduce the effect that stress is having on his body.

Q: For many people, stress is so commonplace that it has become a way of life. Stress isn't always bad. In small doses, it can help you perform under pressure and motivate you to do your best. But when you're constantly running in emergency mode, your mind and body pay the price. Beyond a certain point, stress stops being helpful and starts causing major problems with your mood, your productivity, your relationships, and your quality of life.

The body cannot distinguish between physical and psychological stress. Long-term exposure to stress can lead to serious health problems. Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in your body. It can raise blood pressure, suppress the immune system, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, contribute to infertility, and speed up the aging process. Long-term stress can even leave you more vulnerable to anxiety and depression.

It is crucial for each person to be able to distinguish how much stress is too much for them. Some people are more able to roll with the punches, while others crumble at the slightest obstacle or frustration. Some people even seem to thrive on the excitement and challenge of a high-stress lifestyle.

It is important for your husband to take charge of his stress. He needs to become educated on the short-term and long-term effects of stress and empower himself to make decisions to improve his health. He can do this by setting out time for relaxation and rest, learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises and by understanding how a proper balanced diet can help to improve his long-term health.

It is very important to support the adrenal glands during stressful times. I suggest taking a high potency multiple-mineral/vitamin complex, vitamin C, and a good, balanced B-complex. Adaptogens such as Korean (Panax) ginseng or Siberian ginseng help the body adapt to stress. Ginseng appears to support the body in times of both physical and mental stress. Herbs such as Relora also help lower stress hormone levels in the body, modulating its damaging effects.

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Dr. Elena Krasnov is a registered Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director of the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. Submit your questions online at 24hrs.ca

Co-written by Miranda Tallon-Malisani Holistic Nutritionist