Stress
Stress is, regrettably, an unavoidable part of life. Pressures and deadlines at work, problems with loved ones, the need to pay bills… These are just some of the obvious sources of stress for many people. There are unobvious sources, too, such as everyday encounters with noise, traffic, crowds, pain, extremes of temperature and just “change” in general (new house, new job, etc.).
However, when stress becomes chronic, acute or excessively impinges on an individual’s quality of life, it is a very real health problem that needs to be addressed.
In the simplest terms, stress results from a body imbalance in response to a physical, mental, or emotional stimulus (or all three). This can result in adrenal secretion, elevation of blood pressure, accelerated heartbeat and muscular tension.
Symptoms of stress often include: fatigue, headaches, irritability, changes in appetite, memory loss, low self-esteem, withdrawal, cold hands, high blood pressure, shallow breathing, nervous twitches, reduced sex drive, insomnia or other changes in sleep patterns, and/or gastrointestinal disorders.
At the same time, stress increases vulnerability of developing other illnesses, including, cardiovascular disease, cancer, endocrine and metabolic disease, skin disorders, and infectious ailments of all kinds.
Treating Stress
At The Centre For Integrated Health, we understand that a whole-body approach is essential for treating stress, since it operates on so many levels. We start our treatment with bioenergetic screening to identify imbalances and deficiencies in nutrition, hormone systems, and overall body health.
We also check, in particuar, for depletion of Vitamin C, B5 and essential oils – since these are often used up when one is “stressed out”, thereby leading to immune system weakness and physical ailments. Supplementing these vitamins and oils is often a significant step in addressing the root, underlying problem.
Once an individual’s health status is fully understood, our practitioners can go about making the changes necessary to reduce the individual’s susceptibility to stress.
Case Study
Mrs. “D”, who was born in 1961, worked as a part-time Police Officer and lived at home with her 88 year old mother, who suffers with senile dementia. Both the demands of her job, plus the demands on her personal time at home, led to significant stress.
At her first appointment, Mrs. “D” requested help with stress-induced fatigue, headaches and insomnia – much of which was induced due to several years standing (as part of her job). She was not taking any prescribed medication at the time, but had previously taken anti-depressants with no positive effects.
We performed a BEST full body screening, and identified a stressed adrenal function, which was confirmed by the simple Ragland blood pressure check. We also identified that both the cortisone and cortisol hormones were out of balance, which was inhibiting the functioning of disease-fighting white blood cells and suppressing the immune response. We also identified low levels of the B vitamins (in particular B5), Vitamin C, essential fatty acids, calcium and magnesium.
We also performed a food screening, which identified sensitivity to artificial sweeteners, eggs, caffeine, alcohol and wheat. In addition to dietary and supplementation advice, we advised Mrs. “D” to arrange some respite care for her mother. and use this time to relax or pursue a new hobby.
At her follow-up appointment one month later, Mrs “D” said although she found sticking to the diet difficult, she felt much better generally, better able to cope with life-in-general, was sleeping far better, and having fewer headaches.
Learn More
We recognize that stress is an “everyday part of life”; however, when it starts to take over your life or affect one’s day-to-day condition, it’s a problem that needs to be addressed. As you can see from the case study above, stress has a way of building up over time, and leading to lingering health issues that could be rooted in diet, nutrition and lifestyle factors, among others.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation of your stress issues. We’ll carefully describe the potential treatment options open to you, and how our assessment, monitoring and treatment methods can help you enjoy life to your full potential!
There follows a list of products that clients have enjoyed success with. For personalised advice, please email info@nutrivital.co.uk or call 01730 233 414.
Nutrivital B Complex can be used support the nervous system and boost energy as B vitamins are easily depleted when the body is stressed emotionally or physically. B Vitamins are required for the release of energy from food and aid in the proper function of the heart, nervous system and muscles, as well as being vital for the maintenance of healthy skin, hair, and nails. B6 is extremely important for hormonal balance, fatty acid metabolism, fluid balance, and the production of stomach acid. It can also help you to keep a clear head.In this complex, Vitamin B6 is included as pyridoxal-5-phosphate - an easily assimilated form. Our B Complex has a great blend of all of the important B vitamins.
£9.00
For thousands of years, humans have been accustomed to a selection of natural foods that have provided us with all the essential nutrients. Todays diet is vastly different to that of our ancestors, and one of the most widespread nutritional deficiencies is of essential fatty acids (EFAs). EFAs are the building blocks of the membranes in our cells. Most of these EFAs can be synthesized by our bodies, but the two that have to be supplemented through diet are Omega 3 and Omega 6. The body functions best when these are in a balance ration of 1:1, but because our modern diet is so high in Omega 6s, a typical ration is around 25:1. Large quantities of Omega 3 are therefore necessary to redress this balance.Flaxseed oil is the richest source of Omega 3 fatty acids yet found anywhere in the world. It also has a high Lignan content. Lignan is a gentle plant hormone that is the key to estrogenic balance in the body. Omega-3 oils have been shown to help reduce heart disease, strokes, and inflammatory diseases, and are linked to many other positive health results. Nearly every system in the body can benefit from flax seed oil's natural properties, including the cardiovascular system, immune system, circulatory system, reproductive system, nervous system, as well as joints. It also contains omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein, and zinc.
£8.95
Gingseng Plus is used as a restorative tonic for exhausted adrenals. Licorice, Borage, Sarasparilla and Ginseng all contain steroid-like compounds, which can be used as precursors in the synthesis of adrenal hormones. St Johns Wort, Thyme and Vervain all have a restorative and relaxing effect on the stressed nervous system, which often combines with adrenal exhaustion. Dandelion root is included for its restorative hepatic effect since all proper glandular action is ultimately dependant on a healthy liver.
£14.50
NutriVital Hawthorn Plus is used for the treatment of hypertension. The herbs in Hawthorn Plus have a long tradition of use in safely reducing high blood pressure. We use both the Hawthorn flowering tops and berries in this preparation as they contain a number of important compounds that have been shown to have a beneficial effect on the heart. Lime Blossom has a relaxing effect, especially where anxiety may be a factor.
£14.50
Vitamin B5, also known as Pantothenic Acid, supports the adrenal glands and immune system and B vitamins are specifically indicated for things such as fatigue, stress, irritability and apathy. Vitamin B5 is also vital for cellular metabolism, assisting the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
£8.95
If you only wish to take one vitamin then Nutrivital Vitamin C with Bioflavanoids is the one! Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system and to promote support the body's defense against infection. Vitamin C is made by almost every other mammal except humans. Because it is a water soluble vitamin, Vitamin C cannot be stored in the body long term, and is flushed out with our body’s waste on a regular basis, therefore the vitamin C we gain from our foods is very quickly lost and it is important to maintain a good supplementation of Vitamin C to ensure we have the amount we need. It is especially important if we are stressed and need our immune systems boosting. It is also important for the formation of collagen in skin, bones, cartilage and muscles. It neutralises the free radicals, which speed up the aging process. It can reduce cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Bioflavonoids are organic plant pigments that occur naturally with Vitamin C - the bioflavonoids increase Vitamin C bioavailability and absorption and are particularly important in maintaining good condition of blood vessels. Bioflavonoids also have excellent anti-inflammatory properties.
£8.95
Packed with green foods this is an enzyme activated, highly nutritional, alkaline-forming super food in an encapsulated form. Acidity in the body is strongly associated with arthritis and digestive problems. Four capsules a day give a nutrient value equivalent to 2lbs of fresh vegetables. They are an extremely useful supplement to take as a long-term maintenance program.
£14.95
This is a sustainably-sourced and pollution free supplement. Krill are shrimp-like crustaceans which feed on algae and are caught from the cleaner Antarctic ocean. The oil that is extracted from them consists of three components:- Omega-3 fatty acids similar to those of fish oil- Omega-3 fatty acids attached (conjugated) to phospholipids, mainly phosphatidylcholine (alternatively referred to as marine lecithin)- Astaxanthin, an antioxidant. Unlike many other antioxidants, astaxanthin crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it could theoretically protect the eye, brain and central nervous system from free radical damage.What's particularly special about Krill Oil is that its omega-3 content is mainly in the omega-3 phospholipid form, which research suggests is a preferred dietary supplement when compared to omega-3 in triglyceride form (found in fish and cod liver oils). The phospholipid form is more stable and the naturally occurring antioxidant astaxanthin helps this stabilisation further. The typical Western diet is very low in Omega 3 and even lower in Omega 3 from phospholipids. Research has shown that Krill oil may be able to help in treatment of PMS, cardiovascular Disease, Memory, Dementia, Mood Disorders, Depression, ADHD, Reducing Inflammation, Arthritis and Osteoporosis. Krill Oil also contains the other fatty acids essential fatty acids Omega’s 6 and 9. It is very stable and will last two years at room temperature. This particular brand has been selected for its high quality and purity; for the unique delivery system and its bioavailability; and for its natural fish gelatine capsules.
Possible Drug InteractionsPeople taking blood thinners (anticoagulant or anti-platelet medication), such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, clopidogrel (Plavix), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve) should only use krill oil under a physician's supervision. Krill oil should also be used with caution by people taking herbs and supplements that are thought to increase the risk of bleeding, such as ginkgo biloba and garlic. Do not take if allergic to shellfish.
£22.50
