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The Real Course of Pain | Posted May, 2008
Don't Let Allergies Rule Your Life | Posted May, 2008
Stress Fatigue and Alleriges | Posted May, 2008
Stress Fatigue and Allergies
By Nick Lamothe, PhD
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 may seem too insurmountable to overcome. How we deal with stress can directly impact the frequency with which we suffer from aches and pains, fatigue, and down time caused from colds, flu, and other illnesses. The accumulation of stress can be a factor which may make it difficult for doctors to determine an accurate diagnosis. Some instances seem confusing and contradictory when test results come back normal, even though symptoms are present and persistent. Other times a doctor might say that due to too much stress a break or vocation is recommended. For many of us, dealing with stress every day is a reality in which we are looking for ways to manage or overcome.
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 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 need to be aware that the 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 very 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, utilizing the autonomic nervous system to alert the body to the lack of needed elements. The body may 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 the 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.
Still, 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 also 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 where 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, where the tissues are no longer able to maintain energy to support life. This occurs because the body is waiting for essential elements it needs 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 to 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 all 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 electromagnetic fields as well as self-help techniques for addressing emotional overload and allergies. Take action and be well!
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