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- Beauty is when you can appreciate yourself. -
October 30, 2024
When I think of stress I see the image of a rubber band. The rubber band has a resting structure, and when pulled upon the rubber band is capable of stretching to reach the demands, or respond to the force placed upon it. However, if that rubber band were to be stretched beyond its limits, once it returned to resting its shape may have changed, become weakened, or in some cases completely snap.
Each of us has a unique response to stress since we all have a different perception of what factors are considered stressful to us. What is stressful for one, will not be stressful for another – we all have a unique experience and physiological make-up.
Allostatic load is the load of stress on the system, as well as the metabolic cost it takes to adapt to the various stressors on the physiological mechanisms of the stress response itself. When it comes to maintaining stress and maintaining this allostatic load (a rubber band that can be pulled on, and not break), there are three specific ways that we can become maladaptive to the stress response, leading us to potential breaks in our stress response (rubber band being pulled beyond its healthy limits).
1. Frequent stressful events, reducing the ability to properly adapt (“repeated hits”)
2. Stress response does not resolve or turn off
3. Inadequate or failure to respond to stressor
At some point in our lives we have experienced one of the three factors listed above, or may be experiencing them now. So what are some factors that can contribute to the stress load?
• Non-physical signals from outside the body that the brain perceives as threatening – emotions like grief, excitement, fear, anxiety, guilt, embarrassment.
• Internal triggers from neurotransmitter, glucocorticoid and/or neurosteroid imbalances.
• Consuming high glycemic foods
• Insulin resistance
• Variations in meal timing
• Stress eating
• Disruption in light exposure – shift work, working long hours, jet lag.
• Sleep disruptions – caffeine, sleep apnea, pain
• Gut inflammation
• Arthritis
• Allergies
• Cardiovascular disease
• Atopic diseases
As you can see there are many ways that stress can signal the brain. There are ways we can support our stress response by reducing our overall burden on the body, and specifically addressing imbalances that are contributing to the rubber band being stretched too far, so we can support the body in returning to homeostasis.
At Rooted Nutrition addressing stress is imperative to overall healing. I would say that most of my clients are experiencing moderate, to extreme amounts of stress. Without first addressing the stress, we may see other factors involved in the healing journey not be as effective. Rooted Nutrition would love to support you during your process of reducing overall stress.
- Beauty is when you can appreciate yourself. -
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Each of us has a unique response to stress since we all have a different perception of what factors are considered stressful to us. What is stressful for one, will not be stressful for another person.
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