Holistic Tools for Managing Stress in our Hectic World

In this world, change is the one constant throughout our lives. Nothing ever stays the same. Change and transformation is an inevitable part of our life experience. But all change puts a certain amount of stress on our physical body, even if the change is positive.

During times of change, taking steps to manage and support the body’s adaptability, is essential to a smooth transition, riding through the waves of change to the other side. Stress can lead to fatigue, chronic headaches, high blood pressure, a change in appetite, panic attacks and digestive problems. It can also lower immune system function, and can contribute to long-term illness. Stress can lead to nutritional deficiencies, as the body uses up key nutrients to help manage stressful conditions.

But there is plenty of good news. The foods we eat can keep our bodys resilient. It’s easy to reach for fast food. Resorting to comfort foods in times of stress is a common habit, yet this is the time to return to healthy eating habits.

Simplicity is the key, if the food does not grow directly from a tree or out of the earth it should not be eaten. Have you ever heard of an oreo cookie tree, or a cheesie shrub? No! Junk foods are heavily laden with artificial colors and preservatives and void of any nutritional value. Take steps to avoid all processed and packaged foods which contain additives, artificial sweeteners, chemicals and colorings (simply more stress on the body).

Avoid artificial sweeteners, carbonated soft drinks, chocolate, junk food, pork, red meat, sugar, white flour, chips, preservatives, fried foods and caffeine. Instead choose to consume raw, fresh vegetables (all the colors of the rainbow) and fruit, whole grains and ensure adequate protein consumption, primarily from vegetable sources, such as beans, legumes, nuts and seeds and fresh fish.

There are also some nutritional supplements to help manage stress: Vitamin B Complex contains the whole group of B vitamins, and is known as the anti stress vitamin, used for healthy nervous system function, memory enhancement and improving endurance and stamina.
Calcium magnesium deficiency can cause anxiety; it is useful to take at night to obtain a restful sleep. Vitamin C with bioflavinoids is useful for adrenal support (the bodies stress response organ) and for enhancing immune system function.

Herbal Medicine can provide excellent support during the time of stress a group of tonic herbs, known as adaptogens. Adaptogen herbs are used to increase physical and mental endurance, enhance vitality, and help the body cope with stress. They also improve resistance to infection, improve immune function and help maintain optimal adrenal function. Examples include Siberian Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Gingko, Rhodiola and Rosemary.

Herbal Nervines are known as relaxant non-habit forming herbs which support the function and relaxation of the nervous system of use for anxiety, tension, headaches and insomnia. Chamomile, passion flower and skullcap are some common examples. Herbs can be used in tea, capsules or tincture form.

- Katolen Yardley, Medical Herbalist, is in private practice in Vancouver BC. She is the owner of Alchemy & Elixir Health Group a healing oasis and wellness centre in the West End of Vancouver located at # 320-1026 Davie St. Clinic appointments can be booked at 604-683-2298 or info@alchemyelixir.com. More at: katolenyardley.com and alchemyelixir.com.