Holistic Interventions to Relieve Stress and Heal your Body
Stress may seem like a largely modern phenomenon, but in one way or another, it has been part of the human condition for as long as we have been human. Naturopathic Doctors throughout the centuries, and across cultures, have paid close attention to plants that helped restore calm and resilience.
Here are some of my favorite plant-based interventions for stress and its eventual result, adrenal fatigue:
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): The root of this shrub from India has been shown to help the body maintain a normal cortisol response under physiologic or emotional stress. It is a classic example of an “adaptogen” – a substance that provides “non-specific” resistance to stress. It works wonders for people who are exhausted at day’s end but can’t sleep; that is, those who are wired and tired. Among the adaptogens, it is one of the most calming and balancing to the adrenals.
Rhodiola root (Rhodiola rosea): Native to Canada and North Asia, this adaptogen is on the opposite end of the spectrum from ashwagandha. It is stimulating and energizing, and there’s no need to restrict its use – it has been shown be effective for those who are not only tired but constantly stressed, and are night owls. Whether you can’t sleep at night for ‘no reason’, or you have bee working the night shift and need to normalize your sleep patterns.
Tulsi herb (Ocimum sanctum): Also known as holy basil, this gentle herb is prized in India as a way to increase awareness and focus, while being effective against a broad range of physical and mental stressors. I’ve found it especially useful for people who feel their stress in their digestive tracts.
Schisandra fruit (Schisandra chinensis): A staple of traditional Chinese medicine, the bright red berry native to Asia is a classic adaptogen, capable of promoting stamina and overall strength. A Swedish review paper summarizing Russian research concluded it “increases physical working capacity and affords a stress-protective effect against a broad spectrum of harmful factors”. Schisandra in this cases would be great for those who have undergone any environmental stressors such as toxins, heavy metals, pollution or intense weather changes as well.
Foods to Support Adrenal Health
Besides herbal support, certain key foods in your diet can help to feed your adrenal health.
Himalayan Pink Salt
Unrefined pink sea salt (also called Himalayan rock salt) is one of the most nutritionally-dense foods on the planet. It is a raw food that contains over 84 trace minerals your body needs to feel healthy, balance and energized. Did you also know that too little salt (due to mineral loss) can actually slow your thyroid, metabolism and adrenal functions down? One reason people with adrenal fatigue crave processed foods (primarily sugar and those high in refined salt) is because their mineral levels are off. Of course, that’s no reason to pick up the salt shaker every chance you get; just try adding a tiny pinch of pink salt to a smoothie, your morning oatmeal, or a dinner entree. Pink sea salt is helpful for relieving joint pain, headaches, and even constipation due to high amounts of magnesium and sodium that your body needs to function properly.
Dark Leafy Greens
Magnesium and Vitamin C stores are often low when the adrenals are suffering. Leafy greens not only provide both, but also provide iron and chlorophyll. This helps give you energy, reduces acidity and inflammation, and helps promote balance in the body. Leafy greens are also high in necessary fibers your endocrine system needs to work well, that will also help lower your blood sugar during meals. If you crave sugar, try adding more greens to your diet to see if that helps. Spinach, kale, romaine, arugula, collards and all fresh herbs work here.
Avoid This
You’ll see many different things recommended for adrenal health on the market, however one of the most important things you can do is to stay away from sugar, (along with processed foods, caffeine and alcohol). Sugar disrupts insulin function in the body and causes problems with your blood sugar that can later affect the kidneys and adrenals. This is one reason diabetics suffer from kidney problems so much – sugar exhausts your body on every single level.
If you’re constantly exhausted despite getting a good night’s rest, it may be non-sleep issues that are bringing you down. Reasons for fatigue can range anywhere from diet to exercise to medications and certain medical conditions. Addressing the root of the cause, whatever that may be, should be your first step. Here’s a rundown of some common culprits that may be causing a full-time energy slump in your daily routine:
Dehydration
Even mild dehydration can sabotage energy levels and make it difficult to concentrate. But our thirst isn’t a good indicator of hydration, since we often don’t feel thirsty until we’re already slightly dehydrated. Aim for at least half of your body weight in fluid.
Stress
When we’re under chronic stress, our adrenal glands pump out the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. These stress hormones can stay elevated for hours, and surge yet again and again with the next stressful events.
The result: a constant state of elevated stress hormones, running throughout your body, which has been shown to increase abdominal fat and make it harder to lose extra body fat, despite a solid diet and exercise regimen.
The key is to find ways to manage stress more effectively – always easier said than done. Make it a point to carve out time for exercise, creative hobbies, or even just spending time with people whose company you enjoy, all of which can significantly reduce our cortisol levels.
Thyroid
An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) affects the entire body, with symptoms including fatigue, high cholesterol, slow heart rate and difficulty losing extra weight. If you suspect an underactive thyroid, ask me how to balance them naturally.
Anemia
Anemia can cause fatigue, headaches and shortness of breath because it interferes with the circulation of oxygen throughout our body. A simple blood test can determine if you’re anemic. Common causes include deficiencies in iron, folate or vitamin B12; foods rich in these nutrients (think egg yolks, legumes, spinach, red meat, and oysters) can help to correct a deficiency. If you’re not getting enough through diet alone, then it’s time to consider a B-Vitamin Shot (link in bio).
There can be many causes for that wiped-out feeling. For some, the problem may be resolved with simple changes to diet and exercise. In other cases, the issue may require an in-depth consultation going to the root of the cause.
A recent article in the NYPost discusses why many in the Corporate world are turning to Naturopathic Medicine and IV therapy to enhance their energy, mood, and decrease their stress.
This is an exciting mention to Naturopathic Doctors across the nation who have been practicing this ancient, holistic practice for hundreds of years.
Having offered IV Vitamin Infusion Therapy for years, I am finding that one of the best options for people under stress, are my high-potency blend of natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. I encounter many managers, team leaders, as well as parents who are under chronic stress (while having to endure the constant needs of others) are the ones in need of my IV Infusions most.
Patients come into the office to keep their immune systems strong, energy high, and minds more focused. They may feel the positive effects almost immediately, others within 36 hours, with visits recommended once weekly for six weeks, and then as needed.
Every single IV is individualized and custom-made to the exact needs of the patient. It is not addictive like sugar, because it goes right into your veins and not into your mouth. It is simply nutrition.
Be wary of other IV Centers offering something similar. They are often run by conventional Doctors ill-equipped in the knowledge and training to prepare Nutritional IV Therapy. Most also add medications to their IVs, as to enhance their results, as opposed to letting the body receive what it needs, NATURALLY.
If you are looking to receive an IV and are not located in Orange County, California, look for a Naturopathic Doctor that has the proper credentials and training to help you best.
Why Dr. Nirvana’s IV are Superior to the other IV Clinics:
Dr. Nirvana’s IV formulations are unique to standard IVs and use only ingredients of the highest possible grade, produced here in the United States. All of Dr. Nirvana’s IV’s include her very own proprietary blend of botanicals, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are combined in such a manner to maximize absorption in the body. As a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Nirvana has extensive training in the formulation and administration of appropriate nutritional IV compounding preparations, to produce a gold-standard for Nutritional IVs. Because of this, all of the IV’s are custom-made to your body’s exact nutritional requirements for optimum efficacy. Traditional Doctors such as MDs, DOs and those practicing “functional medicine”, have little, if any, formal training in each of these areas and most have RN’s or Nursing Assistants administering the IVs. However, Dr. Nirvana works directly with each patient to ensure their proper healing and while implementing safe IV practices. She spends a great deal of time researching the latest and best advances in Nutrition and IV Therapy, ensuring that her patients have the very best care possible.
Experience Nutritional IV Therapy done the right way, by Dr. Nirvana.
To schedule your personalized IV therapy to relieve your stress, boost you immunity and enhance your energy, naturally, contact the office today.
Increase Success in all Areas of your Life with Meditation
How the Power of Meditation can Increase your Productivity
Do you often find yourself wanting to be more productive in your life? More successful in the goals you have set for yourself? Or the achievements you wish to accomplish? Studies have shown the meditation can be the perfect solution to help you get there. Some of the benefits to meditation include: improving time management by boosting attention, sharpening focus, enhancing workflow, and preventing procrastination.
Meditation affects a part of the brain involved in monitoring your focus and self-control. Researchers from Harvard Medical School found that a meditation program led to changes in brain regions involving learning and memory. In fact, practicing mindfulness and meditation has consistently been shown to improve your ability to sustain attention. Those who worked in high-stress work environments and practiced meditation were able to stay on a task longer and received positive feedback after a task performance.
A daily meditation practice can increase self-discipline and sharpen focus at work. Research shows that mindfulness encourages task persistence. Meditation that brings self-awareness to one’s emotions and mental state can allow a person to approach situations with a clearer and more focused mindset.
When you meditate, you clear away the information overload that builds up every day and contributes to your stress.
Much of our stress comes from too much input and a lack of time or tools in handling the input. We get information, emotions, and we get overloaded. Our brains don’t know what to handle first, so they just keep cycling through all the information. Talk about crazy-making.
Next time you’re feeling like you need to cram, stay up late, or just push through, remember how even just a few minutes of meditating can be more productive. It sounds crazy, but making space for a few minutes of no stimulation is often the most productive thing a busy body can do.
