Let's Talk about Stress
The effects of stress and depression may be worse than we think, but we can do something about it.
According to the Journal Lancet,when compared to other chronic diseases, depression may well be the world’s most disabling disease. This is mainly because depression can last for a incredible amount time.
The seven enemies of a healthy brain include:
toxins
malnutrition
physical lazyniess
mindlessness
stress
sleep deprivation
lack of sun.
Scientists estimate that everyone alive today carries within her or his body at least 700 contaminants, most of which have not been well studied. And according the EPA, five of what are known to be the most toxic chemicals were found in 100% of all samples.
The Brain is the most nutrient dependent, energy dependent and toxin vulnerable organ.
In the journal of Pedicatrics 2009, children that were found to have with higher than normal amounts of insecticides, had twice the incidence of ADHD.
The standard American Diet is causing “Evolutionary Suicide.”
Certain foods are without a doubt poising our brains. Today, food is everywhere – all the time and plenty of it (at least in some countries). Our high carbohydrate, high Omega-6 diet has signaled our bodies to store, store, store the energy for the winter.
In the US, 60% of the population is overweight. And to the American body, winter has not come for years. This leads to the metabolic syndrome of: hypertension, Type II diabetes, high cholesterol, high uric acids levels, and obesity.
What used to save us from predators is now killing us.
According to a Time cover story it is estimated that 75 – 90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress related problems. Stress ‘is the top cause of workplace sickness’ and is so widespread, it’s dubbed the ‘Black Death of the 21st century.‘
Stress has even eclipsed stroke, heart attack, cancer and back problems. It is now well documented that stress, a biologically significant and pervasive environmental factor, can produce alterations in brain-memory systems.
In humans, impairments in verbalrecall tasks have been observed in post traumatic stress disorder patients, and in healthy individuals exposed to stress. In rodents, stress impedes spatial memory, while potentiating aversive conditioning.
Further, various stress-associated neurobiological changes have been identified in brain structures (e.g., hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex, amygdala) subserving memory functions.
The CDC reports that 60 million Americans suffer from disturbed sleep, characterized by functional impairments during the day. Also all-cause mortality was three times higher in people with chronic insomnia.
We all know exercise is very benefial for out bodies, but what about out brains?
The American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine states that exercise interventions are associated with significant benefits for patients with mild to moderate forms of depression as well as in reducing anxiety.
These findings have led to the proposal that exercise may serve as an alternative or a supplement to traditional forms of therapy.
To learn more call Affinity Chiropractic at 612-564-5051 to schedule a consultation.
Affinity Chiropractic is conveniently located at 5100 Thimsen Ave Ste 200, Minnetonka MN 55345
May all of your efforts bring you health, happiness and success.
