Chronic stress on the other hand, is an adaptation to a low level stress.  The example of dropping water slowly on the forehead of a restricted person eventually causes the same effect as hitting them with a sledge hammer – it just takes a little longer. A number of recent studies have revealed that chronic stress is also known to be associated with an accelerated loss of telomeres.  So, do you see how chronic stress (unrelenting low level threats) can operate below our acute detection level and eventually wear down our reserves and promote chronic age related disease?

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The Brain and Immune Relationship

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is the study of the interaction between psychological processes and the nervous and immune systems of the human body. PNI takes an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating nutrition, psychology, neuroscience, immunology, physiology, genetics, molecular biology, psychiatry, behavioral medicine, infectious diseases, endocrinology, and rheumatology.

The main interests of PNI are the interactions between the nervous and immune systems and the relationships between mental processes and health. Natural physicians who PNI study, among other things, the physiological functioning of the neuroimmune system in health and disease; disorders of the neuroimmune system (autoimmune diseases; allergies; food and chemical sensitivities; and the physical, chemical and physiological characteristics of the components of the neuroimmune system.

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With a sensible diet and supplementation it is possible to reduce the effects of stress, avoid some common problems, and protect your health.

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Things To Consider

• Indigestion. This can result from eating in the middle of a stressful situation, as the digestive system is not relaxed. It also can be due to eating on the run, so always sit down to eat and eat more slowly, chewing food properly. You will then really taste and enjoy your meals and snacks.

• Bloating. As we all know, bloating is unpleasant, and stressful in itself. It could be triggered by wheat products (bread, pasta, cakes and biscuits) and dairy products (milk, cheese, butter and cream), so try cutting out each food group for a couple of weeks to see if the problem eases. 

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• Shaklee Optiflora DI can be especially helpful for bloating.

• Caffeine dependency. Relying on caffeine to keep you going is a bad idea. It raises stress hormones and can lead to insomnia and dehydration, affecting your body’s ability to handle stress. There are many delicious caffeine-free alternatives, such as Shaklee 180  Herb teas.

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• Hangovers. No one functions well with a hangover, so drinking alcohol on a regular basis (1 or more servings per week) will lead to trouble the following day. This does not mean that you need to avoid alcohol completely, just be aware of its effects, and resist using it regularly as a coping technique.  Shaklee B Complex and Liver DTX are great to help reduce the affects of occasional alcohol damage to the liver and nervous system.

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• Cravings. These often hit during the ‘post-lunch dip’, and increase at hormonal times and under stress. To curb your cravings, include small portions of the craved item into your usual diet, rather than trying to resist completely. Or distract yourself by getting involved in something else, and the craving may pass. Keep healthy food nearby, and do not wait too long between snacks. Shaklee 180 Snack Bars are great for controlling cravings.

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• Sugar highs and lows. Although the brain needs glucose to enable it to perform effectively, very sugary foods cause your blood sugar level to spike and then plummet, leaving you sleepy and lethargic. This can lead to another sweet craving, and the cycle continues.  Starting the day with Life Shaklee protein and keeping up with protein snacks is a proven way to reduce the “sugar blues.

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