Busy lifestyles, worries about financial security, relationships, and not enough time for rest and relaxation means that a lot of people are constantly under stress. When we experience excessive stress, whether it be physical or emotional of origin our “fight or flight response” is triggered. This primitive and automatic bodily response prepares the body to “fight” or “flee” from perceived attack, harm or threat to our survival. During this response the adrenal glands are signalled to release the hormones cortisol and adrenaline into the bloodstream. Your breathing is increased and your heart begins to pump harder and faster to get blood and oxygen to vital areas of the body such as your heart, brain and muscles. Digestion is slowed down as it is not considered crucial during times of stress and blood glucose levels are increased to provide a quick burst of energy. For some people this stress related response occurs at a constant low level, meaning their body is always in “fight or flight” mode. 

 

The long-term physical and emotional ‘overload’ of this puts a burden on the body and can eventually lead to burnout. Symptoms of stress may include poor concentration, memory problems, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, nervousness, moodiness, irritability, frustration, palpitations, muscular tension, digestive problems, and shortness of breath.

 

Vitamin and mineral supplements can help the body to deal with stress. The B Complex Vitamins are often depleted by stress and are important for ensuring that the nervous and immune systems are able to function effectively. Magnesium is also often depleted during times of stress and is essential for muscle and nerve function. The herbal adaptogens such as Rhodiola, Withania, Gotu Kola and Korean Ginseng are useful during stressful periods as they help the body to adapt and respond to stress effectively. 

 

Anxiety is a psychological and physiological state characterised by a feeling that something bad is going to happen. It is normal to have some anxiety, but higher levels of anxiety can become chronic and grow progressively worse if not treated. Symptoms of anxiety may include worries that interfere with daily activities and relationships, physical symptoms such as lethargy, headaches, muscle tension, irritability, trembling, dizziness, sweating, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep and poor concentration. A range of natural therapies may help alleviate symptoms of mild anxiety including St John’s Wort, Calcium and Magnesium for supporting nerve and muscle function, Vitamin C andLiquorice to support the adrenals and Fish oil to support the nervous system.