Stress is a major part of our busy modern lives. In fact a certain amount of stress is good for you, however, problems occur when stress becomes unmanageable and you become overloaded with it, often initiating feelings of being overwhelmed or out of control. Typical symptoms of stress include:
- Inability to concentrate
- Difficulty making decisions
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Feeling as if there aren’t enough hours in the day
- Low sex drive
- Irritability
- Anger
- Feelings of guilt and fear
- Loneliness
- Panic attacks
- Palpitations and rapid pulse
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- High or Low blood pressure
There are two ways that diet and nutrition can help to manage stress, firstly you can increase all the nutrients that are used in excess during stressful periods and secondly you can ensure that your blood sugar is kept even, giving you better energy levels to deal with stressful situations. Symptoms of blood sugar imbalance include;
- The need for more than 8 hours sleep a night
- Difficulty in waking in the morning
- Needing stimulants in the morning (coffee, tea, cigarettes)
- Needing stimulants throughout the day
- Feeling drowsy during the day and/or having an afternoon slump
- Irritability or dizziness after 6 hours without food
- Avoiding exercise becaue you’re tired
- Excessive thirst
- Difficulty concentrating
- Low energy levels
Improvements in mood and a renewed ability to cope can come about very quickly with a few minor changes to your diet and improved nutrition. It is also important to consider ways of reducing the stress levels in your life. You might consider discussing this with a counsellor or psychotherapist.
*Disclaimer: The information and advice provided by The Nutritional Therapy Clinic is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Any person suffering from conditions requiring medical attention, or who have symptoms that concern them, should consult a doctor. Testimonials on this site regarding weight loss and other issues are examples of what we have done for other clients and of what some of our clients have said about us. However, we cannot guarantee the results in any case. Your results may vary and every situation is different. Please see our disclaimer section for further information.