Home		View our 'Article Archive' Being stressed leads to health problems, what you can do? Stress affects all of us to one extent or another. What is stressful for me is not for everyone, as there are many factors that contribute. However, we are not defenceless against its influence. We can increase our tolerance for stress and reduce the adverse physicological effects of stress on our lives. Physical Aids to Stress Reduction Exercise     • improves resistance to stress     • improves oxygenation to tight muscles and devitalized organ systems     • facilitates proper nutrient flow and efficient waste removal     • enhances the efficiency of the cells' energy production Progressive relaxation     • try to consciously relax your muscles in turn, twice a day Massage and accupressure     • release tension in the muscles     • relieve tension headaches, and more Therapeutic baths     • hot water relaxes; cool invigorates     • a herbal bath to calm and soothe when over-stimulated: try a handful of lavender, chamomile, hops, valerian and burdock     • if fatigued from tension and anxiety, try a stimulating and invigorating herbal bath such as basil, rosemary, peppermint, marigold (calendula), and yarrow     • some herbal bath preparations are helpful for stress Controlled deep breathing Nutrition Do not underestimate the importance of proper nutrition in strengthening the body against stress. Foods that help     • vegetables and fruit     • legumes     • whole grains     • potatoes and yams     • seeds and nuts     • essential fats (flax, extra virgin olive oil) Foods to eliminate or reduce     • caffeine     • sugar     • alcohol     • those containing food additives     • refined grains and flours Supplements Many are helpful; here are a few. Vitamin B complex     • the B vitamins play a role in healthy nervous system function     • B1, B3, B5, B6, B12, inositol, and others each have a role; they are water soluble, so need to be replenished daily Vitamin C     • larger amounts are needed when stress levels are high Minerals     • adequate magnesium and potassium are required to maintain energy and vitality. Taken at bedtime, magnesium can help calm you and induce restful sleep     • a calcium deficiency increases emotional as well as muscular irritability Spirulina     • this concentrated food supplement is easily absorbed and often gives an increased sense of well-being, stamina, and endurance Botanicals Siberian ginseng increases stress resistance and endurance Chamomile flowers make a welcome tea for a calming, soothing sedative with no harmful effects. Also settles an upset stomach Passionflower, hops, skullcap and valerian also have a significant calming and restful effect on the central nervous system Homeopathy a combination remedy such as "calm" or "insomnia" can give symptom relief a constitutional remedy, prescribed by a homeopath, can be very beneficial ignatia or phosphorus can be helpful: consult a Materia Medica to match symptoms Bach Flower Remedies Rescue Remedy...a general combination remedy for especially stressful moments individual remedies according to your symptoms match symptoms Aromatherapy essential oils can positively affect emotionsstressful moments try these added to your bath or to a massage oil base: chamomile, lavender, basil, peppermint, or rosemary Digestion often stress will interfere with proper assimilation; try to eat in a relaxed environment to enhance digestion and, therefore, nutritional status ginger tea helps improve digestion; peppermint tea can help promote healthier intestinal absorption hydrochloric acid tablets (not if ulcers!), papaya tablets, and enzymes may all enhance digestion Suggested Reading Stress by Stephen Terrass Anxiety and Stress Self-Help Book by Susan Lark M.D. Stress, Anxiety and Depression by the Natural Medicine Collective Prescription for Cooking and Dietary Wellness by Phyllis Balch and James Balch, M.D.