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We all hear about the effects of chronic stress talked about and we might have a joke about how ‘stress is a killer’ but do we actually know just how many different things stress can effect?
Decreases in beneficial micro flora – the micro flora are also called gut bacteria, intestinal microbes, microbiome, or microbiota. There is a vast amount of research that now points to the importance of healthy gut bacteria for optimal immune function and health.
I did my Masters thesis in the area of nutrition and inflammation and since then I have become fascinated by just how problematic increased inflammation can be. Scientific research now shows that increased systemic inflammation is the key initiator in almost every condition from heart disease, cancer, diabetes, depression, insulin resistance, autoimmune conditions, and the list goes on.
On the other hand, it also fascinates me that we are capable of reducing inflammation through diet and lifestyle in a matter of weeks (even days). Trust me, I’ve looked at copious amounts of research and it’s amazing what can happen with simple changes to your diet. I mentioned some of these in a previous post in this series.
When they hear “inflammation”, most people think of things like chronic back pain, arthritis, or something similar. And while these are forms of inflammation that can also be helped through diet and lifestyle, the chronic systemic inflammation we are talking about here is inflammation throughout your body’s tissues and cells.
Inflammation is an immune response to an internal or external stressor of some kind. It’s a normal process that occurs to help protect the body.
For example: Think about a time when you cut or injured yourself. The area swells, and gets hot and red. That’s because your immune system has sent more helpers (cells) to the area to enable faster healing.
Under normal circumstances inflammation is a positive thing as it helps the process of healing. But under prolonged stress and stimulus the body has so many things to fight that the immune response is constantly in action and this can result in chronic systemic inflammation in the body.
Here is a diagram that helps explain it.
In todays' modern world we have ample stimulus and this is a major reason we are seeing many more health conditions arise. If you want to learn more about inflammation, check out my very popular Inflammation 101 post.
So decreased immune function and increased inflammation are 2 important reasons to try and minimize your physical stress as much as humanly possible.
Things such as these are out of our circle of influence, so if we can't influence them. Therefore we need to focus on things we can influence. I wrote about some helpful stress relief techniques here, including the concept of working in your circle of influence – a method I personally love.
One thing we can influence is our diet. And our diet (if it's poor) can be a major source of physical stress.
We do have an influence over what goes into our own mouths. And with simple changes, this can make an amazing impact on the immune system and on reducing inflammation. You can find some adrenal diet tips here and I also cover the detailed in and outs inside my Adrenal Fatigue Handbook (including done for you meal plans).
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What are the major kinds of stress in your life?
In what ways do you notice stress affects you?
So I have adrenal fatigue and I have been told to stay away from all caffeine. Green tea, however is supposed to be so good for the immune system, and it has caffeine in it. My immune system has been low (low white blood cell count). What do you think about drinking green or white tea if you have adrenal fatigue?