There has been so much talk about stressers in people's lives these days. Whether it is project deadlines, job layoffs or companies trying operate better using less staff, these kinds of challenges can bring on significant angst for people adapting to a new reality.
Stress can manifest in the form of fatigue, anxiety, or not being able to stay focused on projects that would have otherwise been easy to complete before. Most people experience these moments from time to time, but when those days appear with frequency, it is an indicator there is too much stress, says Ken Fawcett, a registered nutritional consulting practitioner.
Studies have shown that under these conditions it is more important than ever to obtain a restful night's sleep, exercise to burn off the abundance of energy, and eat specific foods to bring one's body back into its normal circadian rhythm.
If one drinks enough water through the day, but still experiences a sluggishness in their energy, then it could be caused from a malfunctioning thyroid gland says Fawcett, owner of the New Sudbury Nutrition Centre.
“The thyroid needs certain nutrients to make thyroid hormone and if it it is not getting that, then it is not functioning at optimal levels.”
Sea vegetables such as kelp, wakame, arome and dulse provide trace minerals such as iodine that help boost your gland's efficiency, he says.
Another ingredient is tyrosine, a protein found in eggs.
Foods rich in B vitamin and mineral magnesium help reduce stress levels substantially because both are responsible for converting glucose to energy.
“It is also necessary in supporting your nervous system and adrenal glands when you are experiencing stress. There is only so much vitamins to go around the body and if it is using it up to support the nervous system, then you are not manufacturing energy like you should be.”
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency are anxiety, small muscle twitches like the eye muscle fluttering.
“If a person notices their levels of stress are increasing whether it is physical, emotional, mental or even spiritual, and at the same time their energy levels are decreasing, that is tell-tale sign they may be under too much stress.”
People who also find it hard to concentrate on tasks that would have otherwise been a “no-brainer” could be experiencing low blood sugar, Fawcett says.
Ideally, if one could consume low complex carbohydrates, some source of protein and essential fats at every meal that would be perfect, but it is not always easy for the business person.
Whole fruits, non starchy vegetables, nuts and seeds would be great snacks for day trips, or two-to-three day seminars.
“You do the best with what you can.”
Sea vegetables should be eaten more often he says because of the high nutrients that help keep our glands in check. Local health food stores sell these and other variety foods. Deep fried foods should not be eaten at all because of the toxins food gives off when it is overheated.
The best way to stay healthy is to eat foods in its raw form, an apple, nuts, not apple juice or a chocolate bar with nuts in it.
Sometimes high sugar volumes in the body can stir that fight or flight response.
“Your body is putting the energy into other resources and not into the digestion.”
At the very least if people could sit down for a dinner and take the time to consume healthy foods slowly and consciously it will help slow the panic response down.
“You make it a time out.”
But as with everyone, there are times in the day when our energy is at a low ebb and a 15 minute nap would be so welcoming.
Although some workplaces recognize the need for that small break and even purchase chairs to help employees ease back for a short while, most other Western societies forge ahead with day. This is not Europe after all and so resorting to that cup of coffee, chocolate bar or something to give one's body an extra boost is what most Canadians do.
While it satisfies the craving or provides that sudden burst of energy, it doesn't take long to feel the crash.
Fighting fatigue can be as simple as drinking enough water, he says. Water helps flush our kidneys, bladder and waste toxins out of our system and it carries certain minerals the body may be lacking.
