Hi, my name is Maggan. Welcome to my kitchen!
I had a surprise visit from Lo the other day. Lo is a good friend and former colleague. She very recently went under the knife to remove a cyst on her breast and a cyst in her ovary. That’s a lot!
Lo wondered why she developed the cysts. I’m not a doctor but I’m guessing that stress has a lot to do with the inexplicable bodily symptoms that we experience. It would be interesting to survey the lifestyle and health of the employees of B, where Lo works. B will actually be able to cut actual health coverage costs if it works on providing preventive health measures for its employees.
Patrick Holford is a psychologist and nutritional therapist who has written a series of books on health and nutrition. He explains that the goal-driven dash of the 21st century, where the motto is succeed and achieve, pressures us to perform beyond our limits. We are left with no time to simply do nothing.
What happens to the brain under psychological pressures? Holford explains that brain imbalance sets in when we are under too much stress. There are other factors, of course. These are not getting enough sunlight, not enough exercise, and not enough B-vitamins, zinc, and magnesium. These 3 factors are also worth mentioning since office workers spend most time indoors, don’t move a lot, and most likely do not get enough anti-stress vitamins and minerals because their mealtimes are so short and rushed that they probably just eat whatever is available and in the nearest fast-food stall. It is also not uncommon for office workers to skip meals.
Under stressful circumstances, the brain produces less serotonin (brain chemical responsible for mood) and more adrenalin (brain chemical responsible for motivation). You can become raging with anger, unhappy with an activity, irritated over your job, worrisome, frustrated, aggressive, and hostile. You may feel that you want to do more but unable to.
What happens to the body under stress? This is tricky. Different bodies react to stress in many different ways. Some experience migraine (mild to severe), hyperacidity, hormonal imbalance, skin rash, hair loss, dandruff, acne, excessive sweating, insomnia, eating disorders, low body resistance. Overtime these symptoms can develop into more severe symptoms like cysts, ulcer, heart problem, diabetes, stroke, cancer. The list can go on.
Can we fight stress? Can we really avoid stress? In Lo’s case, stress is inevitable. It goes with the work. B is actually not a bad employer. On the contrary, it provides the best employment and economic opportunities. We know too well that getting in B is not easy. Very competitive. Besides, jobs are scarce. So Lo and many others stick it out.
Holford says that stress can be approached psychologically and nutritionally. It helps to have someone open and sympathetic to talk to for guidance. A good listener. A stranger willing to listen. Not to make suggestions, not to give opinions. Just listen. It helps to verbalize emotions. A psychologist-therapist. No judgements. Costly. But isn’t this what you pay health insurance for (if psychiatry is covered)? A bigger obstacle though is the culture where psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists are associated with severe mental illnesses. A stigma. But why wait until the problem becomes an illness?
Holford’s nutritional approach to stress (this is for you J) includes the following:
- Ensuring blood and sugar balance by avoiding excessive sugar and caffeine (caffeine is found in coffee, tea (hot or cold), and chocolates;
- Eating foods rich in vitamins B3, B6, folate, B12, C, zinc, magnesium, essential fats (Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids);
- Taking a daily dose of good multivitamin and supplements of the above mentioned nutrients;
- Ensure, by incorporating in your daily meals, regular (2-3 times a week) intake of foods rich in amino acid tryptophan (constituent of serotonin) like oatmeal, soya milk, taho (minus the dark sugar syrup), eggs, potatoes, cottage cheese, chicken breast, green beans, tofu, tokwa, whole-wheat products, lentils, green salads, fatty fish (usually big fish that eat smaller fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines), yoghurt, root vegetables (like carrots, sweet potatoes, gabi, radish, potatoes), sprouts (like mug bean sprouts or togue); and
- Ensure intake of essential fats, especially omega-3 fats by eating linseeds or flaxseeds, oily fish and/or fish oil supplements every day.
Beyond the psychological and nutritional approaches, it is important to get enough sunlight. You probably don’t have to be directly under the sun. Wear a hat or use an umbrella for protection. Sunblock! Spend time outdoors. When you have the energy and the possibility, move your body. But don’t force and squeeze gym activities in your busy schedules. That’s increasing the stress and not fighting it. Walk. Ride a bike, regular or stationary. Skip rope. Dance. Outdoor aerobics?
Holford is a good writer and businessman. Immediately after reading one of his books, you’ll want to do his recommendations and get on the road to healthy living. So you’re not British and you don’t earn British pounds. The value of your money is a very mere fraction of the value of the pounds.
Sure, Holford’s recommendations are not easy to follow. Metro Manila streets and parks (yes, there are a few) are not safe. If you find a suitable place for outdoor activities and decide to do them, do it with a companion or a group. Sunblock on your face, hat on your head (or umbrella?). Last but certainly not the least, a pepper spray.
I say, identify and take up the do-able ones among Holford’s recommendations to win over stress. At least one of them should be accessible, affordable, and available within your means and in your location.
