Hashimoto S Thyroiditis Diet Stress and the Immune System.
We accept stress as a normal part of our everyday lives. Fast paced, over scheduled lives are the 'norm' and are often seen as a measure of success. However, too much stress can have detrimental and long lasting effects on our health.
There are two types of stress: Acute and Chronic. Acute stress, such as physical exercise or responding to an emergency can be invigorating to the body, and does not pose a major threat to our health. Our adrenal glands release adrenaline and cortisol which keeps us alert and ready to effectively respond to a challenge. This 'fight or flight' mode keeps us safe from threats of all kinds. Chronic stress, however, is ongoing, and does not allow the body to recover from the release of stimulating hormones which keep the body in 'action mode'. When the body is in a constant state of 'fight or flight', there is no time for healing or repair. The adrenal glands become overworked and can no longer provide our bodies with the hormones needed to maintain overall health.
Chronic stress poses a major threat to our long term health. In fact, stress accounts for 90% of all disease. This includes everything from the relatively benign: insomnia and upset stomach; to the more serious and life threatening: heart disease, mental disorders, and cancer. One of the most important factors in keeping the body healthy is having an immune system that is working properly. An under active immune system cannot protect us from toxic invaders such as viruses, bacteria and cancerous cells. However, an overactive immune system can mistakenly attack healthy cells, leading to autoimmune disorders such as lupus and Hashimoto's thyroid disease.
Stress also has a negative effect on our intestinal health or 'gut flora'. The 'gut' is home to as many as 10 trillion microorganisms that create the foundation of our immune system. Under chronic stress, the balance of microbes is offset, causing inappropriate immune responses that lead to diseases such as allergies and asthma. The imbalance of gut flora is also found to impact a tendency to obesity.
How can we manage and reverse the damage of stress? Here are some areas on which to focus.
Nutrition. What we eat creates the building blocks of who we are. Providing our bodies with enough food in its natural and unprocessed form gives us what we need to repair and rebuild every cell of our being. Sugars, processed grains, and chemical additives put an extra burden on the immune system. Short term supplementation of specific nutrients in therapeutic doses is often required to repair the adrenal glands so they can function properly.
Enzymes. Every single chemical action or reaction in our bodies depends on enzymes. As we age, our natural levels of enzymes is diminished. Our diet rarely provides enough of these vital protein chemicals. Gas ripened and irradiated fruits and vegetables have no enzymatic activity due to this processing. Our bodies require both digestive and systemic enzymes for optimal health. Always consult a health care professional for a supplementation program appropriate for your individual needs.
Detox. We acquire toxins daily through our foods, environment, and certain over the counter and prescription medications. A complete detox every year or two can remove parasites, harmful bacteria and viruses from the intestinal system, as well as cleanse the liver and the blood. A full detox program also addresses rebuilding the gut system with a good probiotic and essential nutrients. Remember that a healthy gut creates a healthy immune system!
Exercise. The body was meant to move! Stress relieving chemicals such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine are released during exercise. Sweating also helps the body naturally expel toxins.
Manage Emotions and Stress. Stressful situations cannot always be avoided, but how we respond to them is always our choice. Breathing and visualization exercises, meditation, and prayer can provide us with a calmer state of mind so that we can choose a more effective response to a stressful situation. Find something or someone to appreciate every day.
Stress is inevitably a part of life. However, reducing or eliminating chronic stress can boost our immune system, slow the aging process, and lengthen and improve the quality of our lives.
hashimoto s thyroiditis diet.