Digest This! The Silent Killer

We have all been stressed at one point. Some of us more often than others. Stress negatively affects our bodies in more ways than you would expect, and it’s not just mentally.

What is Stress?

Stress usually shows up as an emotional state of tension, but it is also physical because of the physiological and hormonal changes it causes. If left untreated, excessive stress can lead to unhealthy and potentially serious consequences. Cortisol is a hormone released from the adrenals and levels increase during times of stress. It is commonly known as the stress hormone.

Effects of Prolonged Increased Cortisol

Prolonged high levels of stress not only weigh on you mentally — they change how your body operates:

• Heart rate increase
• Bladder relaxation
• Tunnel vision
• Shaking
• Dilated pupils
• Flushed face
• Dry mouth
• Slowed digestion
• Hearing loss

What Can I Do?

The good news? You’re in control. Managing stress is not about eliminating it completely — it is more about supporting your body so it doesn’t get overwhelmed. There are countless natural and effective ways to manage stress levels:

• Eating a healthy whole food diet and digesting those foods
• Prioritizing exercise like walking, weight training, and stretching
• Improving sleep quality
• Deep breathing
• Journaling and mindfulness
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol
• And most importantly, connecting with loved ones!

Now is the time to take back your health!