STRESS - THE FOUR SIGNS TO WATCH OUT FOR
1. SKIN
Stress can also have a major
impact on the skin's appearance. with certain skin conditions actually directly
caused by stress. These include:
Dryness/Dullness. Raised
levels of cortisol promotes transepidermal water loss resulting in dry and dull
skin appearance.
Fine Lines. Raised
cortisol can trigger elevated blood sugar levels via a process known as
glycation. Ultimately, glycation damages collagen and elastin, two fibers that
help to keep skin smooth, plump and firm. Counteract the effects with vitamin A
along with antioxidants to stimulate collagen production and help diminish the
appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Acne. Stress triggers the
release of androgens (male hormones) like testosterone which are responsible
for the production of sebum. Women suffer more than men as they produce a much
higher amount of androgens in the adrenal gland than men. Incorporate
treatments with salicylic acid and vitamin A to control bacteria, clogged pores
and to normalise sebum production.
2. NO SLEEP
Your skin is the window to
what's going on in your body internally, so if you're not sleeping and your
system isn't functioning properly, you're going to notice a dull complexion,
dry, flaky skin and breakouts. Stress causes magnesium deficiency. The benefits
of magnesium for anxiety and stress are substantial. When people are low in
magnesium, they feel anxious, suffer with muscle cramps and may experience
insomnia. Lack of sleep will also have a negative impact on skin health. A
recent study found that poor quality sleepers showed increased signs of
intrinsic skin ageing including fine lines, uneven pigmentation and reduced
elasticity.
3. LOW ENERGY
Stress
can put more demand on the B vitamins in the body.
B vitamins are depleted by stress hormones such as cortisol.
which get used up during stress responses such as the tensing of muscles and
the rise of blood pressure.
B
vitamins are important vitamins as they contribute to normal energy-yielding
metabolism and are key for supporting mental health and combating stress. As B
vitamins are water soluble they need to be replenished on a regular basis. Good
sources of foods rich in B vitamins include cereals and grains, meats, fish,
poultry, milk, eggs and vegetables. Supplementing your diet with B vitamins is
an effective way to ensure you get enough on a daily basis.
4. GUT HEALTH
When
the body is under stress, cortisol diverts energy away from the gut to muscles
and the brain. It works to keep blood sugar elevated by feeding glucose to the
brain and retains sodium to keep blood pressure levels up. During this
fight-or-flight response, immune system and digestion slows down, this can
cause the gut to become vulnerable to infection and inflammation.
Probiotics
help supply the gut with beneficial bacteria. These 'good' bacteria play key
roles in helping to maintain a healthy gut. They assist in digestion and, in
fact, produce substances that nourish the lining of the intestines. By
supporting digestive health, and addressing these internal imbalances, this may
help reduce bloating and improve general well-being. A recent study published
in The Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology found that consistent stress
negativity affects the amount and diversity of your good gut flora.
Original article: IIAA Bulletin November 2017
