The stress response is an evolutionary strategy to cope with 

immediate dangers, such as an approaching lion! In response to an 

external threat, the chemical messengers, adrenaline, cortisol and 

noradrenaline are released from your adrenal glands, which
enables you to either stand and fight or flee as fast as you can.
In modern times, the feeling of being under constant stress,
whether from work, family or financial pressures is interpreted
by your body in the same way and can therefore lead you to
be in a permanent state of emergency. This is significant as
stress may be the underlying reason for a seemingly
unrelated bodily imbalance, such as an inability to 

digest well when you are under pressure. 

A chronic state of stress can have widespread negative effects,
such as: 

. Poor digestion . reduced digestive secretions can lead to 

bloating, abdominal pain and reflux.

. Irregular blood sugar control . cortisol signals the 

release of sugars into the bloodstream in anticipation 

that muscles will need fuel to help you run away. These 

sugar spikes can lead to weight gain if the sugars are 

not utilised as muscle fuel and instead converted to fat.

. Hormonal imbalances . lack of libido, menstrual 

irregularity and fertility issues can all arise when your 

body switches to making stress hormones in preference 

to sex hormones.

It doesn’t have to be this way. There are several nutrients and 

herbs that can help calm an overactive stress response, which 

may be hindering you from achieving your health goals. 

For example, magnesium is essential for the nervous system by 

supporting the appropriate functioning of your brains chemical 

messengers, the ‘neurotransmitters’. Magnesium also produces 

energy, helping you resolve the fatigue that may come with being 

stressed. In addition, the B vitamins (often taken as a complex) 

work as a team with magnesium to support your nervous 

system as well as play a role in energy production themselves. 

A class of herbs known as ‘adaptogens’ may be helpful to increase 

your body’s physical and mental capacity to cope with stress. 

Traditional adaptogenic herbs include withania, rehmannia and 

rhodiola. If stress makes you uptight you may also need anxiolytic 

herbs. These help reduce feelings of anxiety and promote more 

restful sleep so you can handle the challenges your day has for 

you more easily. Passionflower, zizyphus, and magnolia are all 

anxiolytic herbs that have been extensively studied for their mild 

sedative and calming effects.

Your Practitioner can recommend formulas that contain 

combinations of these herbs and nutrients depending upon your 

needs, so you can break the cycle of chronic stress and get back 

on the path to wellbeing.

A Life Less Stressful 

There are a number of lifestyle changes you can employ to help 

manage your stress and optimise your wellbeing:

. Eat healthy . lean proteins, antioxidant-rich fresh 

fruits and vegetables and essential fatty acids from 

oily fish, nuts and seeds, all nourish your 

neurotransmitters.

. Exercise regularly . a fabulous stress buster, exercise 

helps burn up excess adrenaline whilst releasing the 

‘feel good’ chemical messengers, the ‘endorphins’. 

. Get enough sleep (seven to eight hours) . practice 

good ‘sleep hygiene’ techniques such as no 

TV or computer time for at least half an hour before 

bedtime and avoid caffeine in the afternoons.

. Meditate . particularly helpful if you cannot “switch 

off” your brain at night. There are numerous 

techniques available to help calm an overactive 

mind, such as transcendental meditation, 

mindfulness and creative visualisation.

Stress is an inevitable part of modern lifestyles, but it needn’t get 

the better of you nor keep you from reaching your health goals. 

Speak to your Practitioner today about strategies and supplements 

you can use to regain control over the stress in your life.