We are facing unknown territory; a global pandemic with varying “facts” and intense, but unknown effects on our health, jobs, economy, families, etc. This is going to affect almost everything, and at the same time, as something that is mostly out of our control, it will be what it will be. Why do I start an article this way? Because underlying most of our CHRONIC health disorders is stress. I want to prognosticate as to what is to come, at least in part.
Fear is running rampant around the globe, but especially in areas hard hit by COVID-19. Some of the fear is warranted, but much of it is unfound and based on media hype. This does NOT mean that I am validating those of you who think this is a hoax! COVID-19 is a real virus with real effects and will take thousands of lives, but, like a strong FLU year, which does the same thing, we need to take precautions to protect ourselves and loved ones, especially those with respiratory issues, diabetes, and Seniors.
With this fear and emotional turmoil comes a physical taxation on our bodies, namely our adrenal glands and other parts of our endocrine or hormonal system. This has a cascade effect on the rest of the body and at the root of many chronic health issues.
Having said that, it is probable that in 3-6 mos or more, we will start seeing health issues pop-up in a large part of the population, as this is affecting all of us!
What can you do? There are many different stress-relieving techniques or behaviors from which you can engage in. In my experience, keys are:
1) Connection/Love; making sure that you are expressing love and concern for those around you and receiving that which comes your way.
2) Gratitude for said love and connection and for an endless list of other gifts, you may or may not take for granted. No matter how tough things are for us, either in the now or ongoing, we still have positives that can offer us a point a focus from which to dig out from under that which we deem as negative.
3) Stay hydrated! What does this mean? It means drinking quality water which is clean, has minerals (hopefully created by nature for proper balance, which means SPRING water), but when Spring water isn’t available, use carbon filters and fluoride filters.
4) It is a tendency during stressful times for people to reach for comfort foods which are often heavy in starch, sugar, and are often highly processed, empty-calorie foods. This is NOT helpful, especially in the long run. Also, leaning on coffee, alcohol, drugs, etc, during this time will also quicken your path to imbalance and chronic disease, so focus on organic, whole foods where possible.
5) Take supplements, especially whole food concentrates (rare, but Standard Process is an example, and there are growing others as reputable companies who care about providing the best are learning that these are the most effective because they include co-factors which are key elements of nutrition that are needed for others to be utilized). The supplements that are KEY TO AVOIDING AND TREATING STRESS DISORDERS AND PROTECTING THE ADRENALS ARE:
a. Vitamin C, D, F (essential fatty acids)
b. Calcium
c. Zinc
d. B-complex (called the stress vitamins for a reason!)
e. Adaptogenic Herbs like Ashwaganda, Rhodiola, Schisandra, Ginseng, Holy Basil, etc. These herbs are excellent at helping us mitigate the effects of stress!
f. Dessicated Adrenal or supplements that contain actual adrenal tissue.
6) Do Vagus Nerve toning exercises, daily. The vagus nerve is a key cranial nerve that affects respiration, cardiovascular activity and digestion. As Health Professionals, we are seeing more and more people with vagus nerve dysfunction! It is crucial to practice toning techniques to keep yours healthy. There are a dozen or so widely published techniques to look it up and choose 3 to do, every day. A few are: splashing cold water in your face for 30-60 seconds, humming/toning and massaging the abdomen, especially the center and at the solar plexus/diaphragm.
7) Get your News, but in short bursts. Leave off the TV most of the time. People tend to do the opposite in times like this because we are drawn to the drama. Sadly, it feeds our fears and we get more stressed! And when YOU are stressed, your kids soak this up, whether you think they do or not. This is a fact, so please let this sink in!
8) Having said #7, it is important to get out in nature. Breathe slowly and deeply and appreciate the beauty and peace. It is a healing element that is, so often, overlooked! It will also help you get more of #9, which is,
9) SUNLIGHT and fresh air! The Sun helps us in a number of ways, but in regards to this article, I will say that light and stimulating Vit D synthesis in our body are keys to bolstering our immunity.
10) Moderate exercise with occasional bursts of intense exercise help us “burn off” stress and its negative effects. Creating movement helps our bodies get rid of toxins/unwanted waste. Lymph systems and soft tissue can get backed up when we are under prolonged stress. This list is not exhaustive, but if you engage in these activities, daily, you will go a long way to avoid, what I guarantee is coming, stress disorders and chronic disease.
If you have questions/concerns, please have both a trusted Physician who honors you by taking your questions seriously and giving you complete answers. It will also serve you and your family best to have a trusted Naturopath or Acupuncturist who does the same thing! This will give you the “full story,” around healthcare and options available to you.
Remember that we are often faced with challenges. It is harder for those of us in the World who have achieved a sense of ease/leisure/prosperity. When that is challenged, it should inspire gratitude for when it is there. But whatever those challenges are, they will pass, like everything. There may be very difficult fall-out, no doubt, but life has a way of rebirthing and the key is to accept and not fight what is brought to your doorstep. There are always people who will care about you and help you through difficult times. ACCEPT IT, and remember to give back. Many people find their way to health by helping others.
Peace and Love.
Paul Gerst L.Ac.
Paul is an Acupuncturist and Natural Health Practitioner of 24 years. He is Co-Owner of The Balanced Path Wellness Center in Medway, MA and may be reached by emailing thebalancedpath@gmail.com or by calling 774-283-2726