We’ve all heard about the damaging effects stress has on our health before.

Different for each of us, it’s estimated that 60% of doctor visits nowadays are stress-related. But while our bodies are quite capable of managing these undesired effects, there comes a point when we might need a little more assistance.

The effects of stress can appear in a physical, emotional or external manner – which then trigger a whole cascade of coping-mechanism reactions in the body.

Stress can be divided into three categories:

• Perceived stress which includes things like finances, work, family, etc. and can be adequately managed through “practising pleasure.”
• Internal stress due to inflammation, hormonal imbalances and a build-up of toxins within the body.
• Prolonged stress which leads to chronic low-grade inflammation in the body, which is where chronic disease stems from.

The second two are the ones we’ll focus on. Um, how do you identify the inflammation in your body?

If you find you are regularly struggling with any of the symptoms below, it is a good idea to seek help from a professional:

• Gut disturbances such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), diarrhoea, bloating, constipation and nausea
• Joints: pain, limited range of movement
• Skin: sensitivity, acne, and pigmentation
• Mood: depression, anxiety, and irritability
• Fatigue
• Water retention and unexplained weight gain or weight loss

As each individual is prone to their own kind of stress, Health Renewal attempts to pinpoint each issue and solve it by nourishing the areas most affected by stress.

In a personal capacity, Health Renewal recommends the following lifestyle adjustments to combat the most basic effects of stress on your body:

• Avoid taking in unnecessary toxins that tax your system
• Nourish your body by eating real, clean, whole, healthy food
• Supplement wisely
• Heal your gut
• Manage stress
• Exercise regularly
• Sleep more deeply

By managing your lifestyle according to these guidelines, you can lower inflammation naturally and cost effectively. This will arm your body’s natural defences and leave any ‘stressors’ in your body and your environment helpless.

However, if you find yourself struggling with stress management or any of the above symptoms, contact your nearest Health Renewal branch for a comprehensive consultation.

Look after yourself, it’s the only you you have.