Stress Ages Us

We live in very stressful times and it is a known fact that stress ages us. Stress interferes with collagen production and our skin suffers. Under the constant duress of stress, we look older, feel older, and lose our vitality. When we are constantly under stress and the natural stress response is not completely shut off, we experience a chemical imbalance eventually damaging joint tissues and blood vessel linings. In short, when the natural stress response is not turned off, the body is constantly on the defensive and inflammation ensues.

Chronic inflammation is central to many common diseases and health problems that develop causing deterioration of the joints and surrounding tissues, mobility challenges, pain, and digestive problems. In regard to the latter, a growing number of medical researchers are finding that inflammation begins in the digestive tract. Anxiety directly impacts the proper functioning of the digestive system and as a result, 30 million Americans take anxiety medication on a regular basis and another 30 million take prescribed and over-the-counter remedies for indigestion. If you have a problem sleeping, look no further that to both anxiety and indigestive problems. We are conditioned to addressing indigestion by taking antacids or prescription drugs but daily indigestion is something to be concerned about.

What can you do? Learn effective stress management techniques, relaxation techniques, and mind enhancing reframing skills like self-hypnosis, meditation, yoga, tai chi, or visualization. Listen to relaxing music. Participate in fun and enjoyable exercise wherein you stretch, build strength, and use your full range of motion. Walking, hiking and dancing, Zumba, and Pilates are fantastic forms of exercise. Take time to play. Spend quality time in nature amongst the trees, plants, flowers, hills, mountains and forests which are naturally healing and harmonizing. Take good care of your skin by using quality products daily.

To dramatically improve your health, you need to alter your diet. Cut way back on the sugar and salt and eat cereals and breads rich in whole grains. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants. Keep in mind that the average soda contains the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar and Americans consume 150 pounds of sugar per person a year! Eat foods abounding in omega-3 fatty acids like wild salmon, walnuts, and flax seeds. Always include anti-inflammatory food in your diet like avocadoes, wild salmon, olive oil, berries, and sweet potatoes. And, eat as much organic food as your budget will allow. There is a lot of controversy about the organic verses non-organic but the research is clear that organic is better for your health. Non-organic farmers use too many toxic sprays on their fruits and vegetables and those toxins are not good for your health and digestion. And the next time you suffer from indigestion, instead of reaching for that antacid, eat a delicious organic apple instead. Apples are a natural digestive aid and there is much wisdom in that old saying about eating an apple or 2 a day.