Behnaz Forat Acupuncture

Stress & Health

High levels of stress can be detrimental on an individual’s health. Physical stress to the body like repetitive joint and tissue trauma triggers an inflammatory response. Excessive exercise can cause oxidative damage and lead to chronic inflammation. Emotional stress can also play a critical role in chronic inflammation. Chronic emotional and physical stress results in imbalances in cortisol produced by adrenal glands. High levels of cortisol can trigger immune responses and lead chronic tissue inflammation. This shift towards inflammation can activate a chain of metabolic and biochemical events that can predispose us to degenerative disease, reduce quality of our life and accelerate our biological aging.
Exercise in moderation can be helpful. Yoga, tai chi, walking, and meditation are different forms of stress reduction. Painting, gardening, and listening to calming music are activities that can help to unwind the tension caused by stress.
Adequate rest and uninterrupted sleep can refresh the mind and the body. It enhances and regulates the immune system, aids in recovery from illness, and helps in prevention of disease. Disrupted sleep has been shown to decrease levels of natural killer cells and lack of sleep causes extra-susceptibility to infections like colds and flu.
 Eating a natural diet with nutrient rich organic fruits and vegetables, organic free –range meat and seafoods is recommended.
Melatonin, valerian root and kava- kava are examples of natural mean to relax and sleep.  Adequate amounts of minerals like calcium and magnesium and vitamins like B vitamins can be provided from a good multi- mineral and multi-vitamin products. SAMe is a multi purpose compound that can maintain that acts as a longevity agent and also function as neuro- protective antidepressant.
Antidepressants Valium and Xanax suppress melatonin and disrupt the circadian rhythm.