FLIGHT OR FIGHT: Nutritionist Jessica Ammendolia said stress can help us survive but changing lifestyles means some of us are in a constant state of stress.
Are you stressed? Research suggests nearly five million Australians are affected by stress in 2016 to 2017.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Stress is the body’s natural reaction to any form of change that requires you to react or adjust.
When we are stressed, our cortisol levels rise and we may experience what is known as a ‘fight or flight’ response.
Historically, was very important, as it allow us to protect ourselves and thrive in times of perceived danger, however due to the type of lives we live, a lot of people are living in a constant state of stress or elevated cortisol.
SIGNS OF STRESS
- Do you find you are more irritable than usual, or have difficulties concentrating; making decisions or learning new information?
- Are you sleeping more or less than usual, have your eating patterns changed for no specific reason or do you find yourself worrying about problems that don’t even exist yet?
- Are you reaching for an extra glass of wine at the end of the day, been recently diagnosed with high blood pressure or do you suffer from tension headaches?
If you answered yes you may be more stressed than you think you are.
IMPACTS OF STRESS
- When we are stressed our body diverts blood flow away from the gut, which changes the way we absorb and digest food, which can lead to bloating, diarrhoea, constipation and cramping.
- Our stress hormone, cortisol affects our blood glucose metabolism by encouraging the body to breakdown glucose stores and counteracts the action of insulin.
- Which is why if you are diabetic, you may find your blood sugar levels are less stable than normal even though your diet and physical activity may not have significantly changed.
- Chronic stress suppress our reproductive hormones in both men and women, this leads to a decreased interest in intimacy, erectile dysfunction and disruptions in our menstrual cycles. If you are trying to fall pregnant, working on reducing both you and your partner’s stress levels can be important.
