One of the most common issues we all deal with is stress. Some types
of stress may be easy to deal with, while other situations seem too
insurmountable to overcome. How we deal with stress can directly
impact the frequency with which we suffer from aches and pains,
fatigue, colds, flu, and other illnesses. The accumulation of stress
can be a factor which makes it difficult for doctors to determine an
accurate diagnosis. For example, some instances seem confusing and
contradictory when test results come back normal, even though symptoms
are present and persistent. In any case, dealing with daily stress is
a reality for most everyone.
As we
investigate effective solutions to reduce the overload we feel when
stressed, it may be useful to understand the way our body adapts and
responds to stress. For our body to recuperate from stress, there are
certain factors needed to correct or repair the stress overload.
Adequate quantities of essential nutrients, water, rest, exercise, a
positive mental attitude, and properly functioning internal organs and
systems are important conditions necessary for the body to
appropriately resolve the effects of stress. If all these essential
elements are available, the body can easily handle the stress of
everyday life and quickly recover—even though we may not be aware
this process is taking place. However, if there are insufficient
elements for repair to take place, the body will go into an adaptive
response while it waits to get what it needs. We must be aware that
our body will stay in a holding pattern, patiently waiting, until it
gets what it needs to repair itself.
If the body
has to stay in a holding pattern too long, it is forced to adapt to
the stress using a specific mechanism which is known as the Adaptive
Stress Syndrome. Within this syndrome, it is easy to describe the
stages of stress while waiting for repair. As the body begins to
recognize the need for essential elements, it begins the Spinal
Adaptive Syndrome. The autonomic nervous system is utilized to
alert the body of the lack of needed elements. The body may then crave
things like water, protein, fruits, vegetables, or become tired in an
effort to get more time to rest. If unsuccessful in getting what it
needs, the body will move further into an adaptive mechanism called
the Glandular Adaptive Syndrome.
Here the body will move extra energy stored in glands to compensate
for areas impacted because it still does not have the ability to
repair. At this point the body will often begin sending signals that
there is an imbalance. We may feel little aches or pains or it may
seem we don’t function as well as we used to.
Everyday
stress adds to old stress, which moves us further into the adaptive
process and increases the amount of essential elements needed as
stress piles up. The body now moves into the Biological
Adaptive Syndrome and has to make very specific strategies to deal
with the accumulating stress. Some symptoms may appear to get better,
but at this stage the body begins to develop sensitivities,
intolerances or allergies as a strategy to force avoidance of
substances perceived to be a threat to the organism. If stress is not
appropriately addressed and essential nutrients remain unavailable,
the body is further pushed into the Chronic
Adaptive Syndrome. Now lack of function is clearly apparent and it
may seem that one symptom has turned into many persistent symptoms. It
is harder to deal with stress and fatigue begins to set in.
Still the body
will not give up. It will move through the Exhaustive
Adaptive Syndrome, a stage in which the body is no longer able to
recover with rest. Everything seems to keep getting worse. The body
will continue to strive to adapt even if it is forced into the Degenerative Adaptive Syndrome. At this junction, the body may allow
some part to go into a disease state in an effort to keep the rest of
the body functioning. This is where surgery is sometimes the only
remaining option to prolong life. The last effort the body makes to
adapt is the Disintegrative
Adaptive Syndrome, at which point the tissues are no longer able
to maintain energy to support life. This occurs because the body is
still waiting for essential elements it needs in order to repair.
It is no
accident how we get from stress to disease. Survival is dependent upon
us learning how to manage stress, while insuring we get enough of the
essential elements necessary to sustain functional health and
well-being. As we understand the mechanisms our body uses to
compensate for stress, we can learn to make better choices and become
more responsible for taking the appropriate actions to improve our
health. Eating right, getting enough water, sleep, and exercise while
maintaining a positive outlook in life are actions we can implement to
reap immediate improvements. It has been said, “The caretaker of
your health is the person who prepares your meals.”
As we develop healthy eating habits, along with adequate
amounts of nutritional supplements when necessary, we can greatly
reduce the effects of stress and give our bodies what they need for
repair and longevity.
Look for
seminars in your area which teach about helpful tools available for
dealing with stress from environmental factors and electro-magnetic
fields as well as self-help techniques for addressing emotional
overload, pain and allergies. Take action and be well!
Dr.
Nick Lamothe, certified in 47 natural-healing techniques, owns and
operates Allergies Lifestyle & Health in Eatonville, Washington.
His busy office produces allergy testing samples for health
professionals worldwide.
