Tag Archive for: stress

By Savannah Bailey, Integrative Health Practitioner, Longevity Health Center

Prolonged stress may be wreaking havoc on your body. Our bodies were not designed to handle the high levels of stress many of us face daily. Stress triggers complex processes in our nervous system that dictate how we respond, but when stress becomes chronic, these systems can become overwhelmed. 

The autonomic nervous system has two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) – responsible for the fight-or-flight response—and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) – responsible for the rest-and-repair response. 

The SNS reacts similarly to both real (objective, tangible) and perceived (subjective, interpretation) stress. The stress response begins in the brain’s hypothalamus, which detects a stressor and releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). CRH signals the pituitary gland to produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH travels through the bloodstream to the adrenal glands, instructing them to release cortisol and adrenaline. 

Cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone” as it increases blood sugar levels, suppresses the immune system, and modulates metabolism to provide energy for a fight-or-flight response. Adrenaline (epinephrine) heightens alertness, increases heart rate, and redirects blood flow away from digestion to essential organs including heart, lungs, and skeletal muscles. This response helps the body respond to immediate threats yet causes imbalances when the stress is prolonged. 

In order to make cortisol the body must shuttle resources away from other hormones. This is referred to as the “pregnenolone steal”. Pregnenolone is often called the “mother hormone” because it is the precursor to the main hormones including progesterone, estrogen, DHEA, and testosterone. When the body is under chronic stress, it prioritizes cortisol production over everything else, redirecting pregnenolone to make more cortisol instead of converting to the other hormones. 

Over time this can lead to: 

  • Low progesterone – can cause estrogen dominance, irregular menstrual cycles, anovulation, and symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and headaches
  • Reduced DHEA – impacts energy levels, immune functions, and muscle recovery, often leading to fatigue and reduced resilience to stress
  • Lowered testosterone – contributing to fatigue, loss of muscle mass, decreased libido, and difficulty maintaining motivation
  • Estrogen Imbalance – in both men and women, chronic stress can disrupt estrogen levels, leading to symptoms like mood swings, weight gain, and increased risk of osteoporosis
  • Thyroid dysfunction – high cortisol inhibits the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary leading the thyroid to produce less T4 (inactive). Cortisol also reduces the conversion from T4 to T3 (active) and instead T4 converts into reverse T3 (rT3). This can lead to hypothyroid-like symptoms – fatigue, brain fog, low energy, weight gain, hair thinning, cold hands & feet, mood swings, anxiety and/or depression. 

To balance hormones, one must manage stress levels and move out of a chronic fight-or-flight state. It can be helpful to take an inventory of daily life and noting major stressors. Can any of these be taken out/changed? If lifestyle changes can be made to remove stressors that is the best case. For stressors that cannot be eliminated, shifting your mindset about them can help break the stress cycle in the body. For example, when you ruminate on past events or worry about the future, your body perceives this as a present stressor, triggering the cortisol cascade.

How can you shift your thoughts? For example, if you were having the thought “I am so scared of this work presentation”, try reframing as “I am excited to have the opportunity to share knowledge with colleagues”. It could be helpful to work with a therapist or coach to receive directed tools to practice shifting your thoughts. 

If you have been dealing with chronic stress the body can be depleted in vitamins and minerals. It is helpful to supplement as you are also working to lower stress levels. 

B-Vitamins – essential for energy production, nervous system function, and neurotransmitter balance. They are called the “stress vitamins” because chronic stress burns through them leading to fatigue, poor concentration, and mood imbalances. We recommend supplementing with methylated B-vitamins! 

Magnesium – helps regulate cortisol, supports the nervous system, needed for muscle relaxation, sleep, and neurotransmitter balance (GABA, serotonin). Stress increases the loss of magnesium leading to muscle tension, anxiety, and sleep problems.

Vitamin C – required for adrenal function and cortisol production, a powerful antioxidant that counteracts stress-related inflammation. Chronic stress rapidly depletes adrenal gland storage. Deficiency leads to fatigue, weakened immunity, slow wound healing, and increased oxidative damage.

Zinc – supports immune function, hormone balance, and neurotransmitter health as well as helps counteract inflammation and oxidative stress. Chronic stress increases zinc excretion leading to weaker immune system, slow healing, increased anxiety, and poor thyroid function. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids – reduce inflammation, balance mood, and support brain health. Chronic stress increases inflammation, depleting omega-3s leading to increased anxiety, depression, brain fog, and fatigue

Adaptogens – can help to balance the nervous system and shift to a more parasympathetic state. It is important to note that these can counteract some of the negative effects of stress but are most effective in conjunction with stress reduction and mindset shifts. Some of the top adaptogens are ashwagandha, rhodiola, holy basil, and eleuthero. Depending on your body’s needs, one or specific combinations may be best for you. A bio-energetic evaluation with one of our naturopaths can help determine the best fit for you! 

While supplements can provide short-term relief, long-term health requires addressing the root causes of stress by rewiring stress patterns and changing your perception of stress.

Mindfulness & Meditation – meditation lowers cortisol and supports emotional resilience

Breathwork – respiration is both an involuntary and voluntary response, that we can directly control leading to reduced heart rate, interrupting stress signals in the body, and shifting into parasympathetic state. Inhaling through the nostrils and lengthening exhales will help to push the body to rest-and-repair mode. Exhaling out through the mouth can help with releasing stress.

  • 4-7-8 technique – inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds
  • Box breath – starting with 4 seconds (can increase as you practice) inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and hold for 4

Adequate Sleep – the body cannot heal without proper rest. Prioritize 7-9 hours (men) and 8-10 hours (women) each night to support adrenal function and hormone balance 

Reducing Stimulants – caffeine stimulates the release of adrenaline and increases cortisol production, temporarily boosting energy that may lead to energy crashes, increased anxiety, and cycle of dependency that taxes the adrenal glands

Balance Blood Sugar – high sugar foods cause a rapid spike in blood glucose levels, triggering insulin release. The subsequent blood sugar crash can activate the stress response, prompting the adrenal glands to release more cortisol. 

Sunlight & Nature – natural light exposure (especially sunrise/sunset) regulates circadian rhythms – helping to balance healthy cortisol increase in the morning with sunlight that slowly drops throughout the day and then melatonin increases in the evening with darkness

Gentle Exercise – Walking, stretching, yin yoga, and tai chi support the body without overwhelming and causing undo stress on the system 

Social Connection – positive social interactions and support systems help buffer again stress and reduce cortisol levels 

 

At Longevity, we’re dedicated to supporting your overall health including natural stress-reduction strategies that promote healing. Reach out at 770-642-4646 to schedule a bio-energetic evaluation and receive personalized recommendations tailored to your needs!

by Janelle Bertler, Traditional Naturopathic Practitioner

 

Little did I know that finding myself dating again in my 40’s would lead to a new found appreciation for men, yet this story isn’t about my dating experience. It’s about the many MANY amazing human beings that I have met along the dating journey. Couple this appreciation for men with a desire to assist everyone to show up as their best selves, and at that crossroad is where this series of articles was born. Let’s begin.  

It’s a “no-brainer” that men are important to society for their contributions to family, community, leadership, education, innovation and more. Now more than ever before in history, the state of the world is having an effect on everyone, and the stressors continue to compound! For any healthcare practitioner, whose goal is to support the physical health of any human being, they must look at supporting the mind, body and spirit. We know that the body is so intertwined and connected that if you affect one of these systems, it in turn affects the others. 

 

Here are some statistics in regards to the physical-mental health connection: 

  • Men with depression have a 30% higher risk for developing heart disease.
  • Men with mental health disorders are at a higher risk of developing cancer and are more likely to die from the disease.
  • Men with mental health issues are more likely to struggle with substance abuse. Men with substance abuse are at a higher risk of developing liver disease, heart disease, and cancer.
  • Men with mental health conditions are more likely to experience chronic pain.
  • Men with mental health disorders are more likely to experience sleep problems, which can lead to an increased risk of other chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity. 
  • Men with depression have a 60% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, compared to men without.
  • Men with mental health conditions are more likely to be obese, which can lead to a variety of physical health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. 
  • According to the World Health Organization suicide rates among men are about 3x’s higher than women.

 

Mental health has a significant impact on men’s physical health. This highlights the importance of addressing mental health concerns as a key part of overall health and well-being. It is true that men may be less likely to seek help for mental health issues. They are more likely to cope with mental health issues on their own, possibly due to social/ cultural norms that stigmatize mental health as a sign of weakness and vulnerability. Let’s dive into what men can do to support a healthy mental wellbeing!

We all know we should eat right, sleep well, exercise, blah, blah, blah. I’d like to share with you the “why” and some other areas that you may want to incorporate into your life. 

  1. Healthy eating reduces inflammation and reduces stress. It supports a healthy gut, deeper healing sleep, improves mood and increases energy.
  2. Prioritizing sleep has all the benefits of eating healthy, as well as assisting cognitive function, reducing irritability and increasing healthy emotional regulation. 
  3. Exercise not only improves mental health, but it also reduces the risk of chronic disease, improves sleep and relieves stress. Don’t forget about weight-lifting exercises. Muscle mass is important for supporting healthy testosterone levels, proper glucose control, bone health and improved self-image. 
  4. Maintain healthy relationships – Find your balance between family connections, friends and social groups. Loneliness and social isolation has been linked to an increased risk in depression, cardiovascular disease and decreased longevity. Males thrive on having friendships with other males, someone to talk to when times feel tough, and I’m not just talking about the superficial “sports” buddy. I’m talking about meaningful deep friendships. Finding friends as an adult might be easier by using a “finding friends” app or by joining groups that fit your favorite activities. A “gym buddy” might be a great way to fill multiple needs. 
  5. Take time for activities that bring joy and relaxation. It is important to find out what you need and enjoy. This will be different for every person and it may take trial and error to discover what works best. Carving out a little time in your life to feel elevated emotions can be very powerful, and we all need to find a little more relaxation to balance out our very busy lives.    
  6. Practice mindfulness in the way that works for you! This can take multiple forms: yoga, meditate, practice breathing exercises and/or try legs up the wall. There are all types of apps that can assist in this category; and remember to fill your spiritual needs as well.
  7. Limit screen time. Not only does blue light suppress melatonin making it harder to fall asleep, but devices keep your brain active and alert. Reducing screen time allows the brain to slow down and focus without distractions. Overtime this increases the ability to regulate emotions. Not to mention that media can have either a beneficial or negative effect depending upon what you choose to consume. 
  8. Serve others! Sometimes it takes getting out of our daily life and personal needs by putting attention on supporting others to get us out of the depths of mental health struggles. Volunteer your time. You might be amazed at how connecting in this way feeds the soul.
  9. Detoxify the body! By reducing the toxin load of the inner terrain, your Naturopath can assist you in feeling your best. 

 

It is when we feel our best that we have more “bandwidth” to deal with the everyday stressors of life. Put your own oxygen mask on first. Fill your own cup first. Take time for self-care! That way you are able to choose how you interact with those around you each and every day. Imagine a world where everyone has grace for everyone around them and can gently respond with kindness because everyone feels their best. That is the world I want to live in. Please join me in creating this world by caring for yourself and sharing this information with all the men that are important in your life. If you find yourself needing support in feeling your best, we are here to help!