Are You Aware of the Impact of Stress on Your Health? Exploring the Stages from Alarm to Exhaustion

woman under stress at work

Stages Of Stress

Hans Selye studied stress and identified 3 stages; Alarm stage, Resistance stage and exhaustion stage. How we adapt to stage is called the general adaptations syndrome. The Alarm stage of stress is charecterised by the bodies healthy response to stress. We get a stress signal such as getting stuck in traffic and being late for work. Our body releases stress hormones once percieved this stress signal or threat, we get angry, we may feel scared or anxious, we may sweat and shout and display defensive behaviours. Your blood pressure may increase, Your adrenal glands release cortisol(a stress hormone). Other things that happen in the body is your digestion shuts down and adrenaline is secreated that gives you an energy rush. A healthy person in normal conditions will return to a calm state and continue with every day life. However if this pattern of stress repeats itself many times in a day or over days the person experiencing this ongoing stress may become ressitance to the effects of stress, your body will adapt by having high ongoing stress hormones, high blood pressure and some of the signs are being irritable, getting easily frustrated and having poor conentration. If theis stage is prolonged and dealt with the person often will reach exhaustion stage where they are not able to mount a healthy stress response to the stressor as they are exhasuted. They lack energy and stamina and their cortisol levles are low.

How Does Stress Affect Your Health?

I see women with various stages of stress in my clinic from early stages of stress where they may be relying on stimulants such as sugary foods and caffeinated drinks that boost their stamina to get through the day. These women are commonly pretty wired and on high drive. They are succesful in their career and have a high demanding job or family commitments.

coffee

The other type of women I see are in the an exhaustion stage of stress, where they are in burnout because the adrenals are exhausted. These women have no energy feel constantly tired, anxious and maybe craving sweet foods or caffeine to get a pick me up. Quite commonly at this late stage of stress they may have put weight on, especially around the middle due to stress. Their hormones may be palying havoc and they are experiencing mood and constantly feel drained and exhausted. The complex interactions of constant hormone stimulation via cortisol and insulin eventually will start to lay down the fat if the stressed individual is not burning that excess stimulation caused by the stress hormones!

Stressed woman with fat around the middle

When the body is constantly under stress it tends to lay fat around the middle causing abdominal obesity. This form of fat is metabolically active and it is best to take action to lose the fat as it is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Can I Lower My Stress Levels And Get Rid Of That Fat Around The Middle?

Yes! The good news is that, fat around the middle is one of the easiest fat to lose with the right approach. A simple strategy could be removing refined foods, increasing protein, vegetables, incorporating healthy fats and portion control. Swapping caffeinated drinks with non-caffeinated drinks and reducing alcohol.

Lifestyle Strategies To Lower Stress Levels For Health

Some healthy habits you can implement are simple things like doing gentle exercise, making time for relaxation, getting adequate sleep, spending time in nature, practicin meditation and mindfulness and having me time!

How I Can Help You If Stress Is Affecting Your Health?

I have worked with many clients suffering with stress in my clinic. Stress not only affects your hormones and mood but it also has in impact on what foods you eat and drink. It can really take over your life and if you have been stressed for a long time you need to take back control over your life again. I can help you by coaching you back to health by helping you come up with healthy habit changes. I also run testing to see which stage of stress your body is in by measuring your cortisol levels and identifying if you are following the correct circadian rythym.

My Adrenal Stress Test measures your cortisol levels through out the day. This is useful in terms of identifying what stage of stress you may be under and help me to prepare a targeted approach to support you nutritionally. This allows me to create a more tailored program for my clients based on their unique individual needs.

Nutrients That May Help With Stress

The following nutrients have been studied and are helpful for adrenal health that secreates cortisol your stress hormone:

• vitamin B5

• vitamin C

• Magnesium

• L-Theanine

• Rhodiola

Have you been suffering from stress lately? If you have get in touch with me as help is at hand. You don't need to suffer alone help is at hand, nutrition and coaching has lots to offer in terms of supporting you and arming you with the tools to help you cope with life and reach a healthy balanced state.