This thing called 'stress', what is it actually? Research over the years has shown over and over again that is has an impact on your immune system. And yet you need acute stress to respond to life events and at that time to enhance your immune system. Unfortunately, in the case of chronic stress your immune system becomes depleted and you become more prone to illness and it becomes harder to get well. Does this sound familiar? In the ‘Stress and Wellbeing in Australia Survey 2013’ by the Australian Psychological Society it was found that over a 2 year period, from 2011 to 2013, Australians had a significantly reduced level of wellbeing and a significantly higher level of stress and associated symptoms. Over 7 out of 10 people surveyed, found that their stress had affected their level of health.

What are the main causes of stress?

The top 7 causes reported in the 2013 survey were:

• Personal financial issues
• Family issues
• Personal health issues
• Trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Health of loved ones
• Issues in the workplace
• Relationship levels

Add to that the fact that when you are stressed you are more likely to have a poor diet, poor water intake, poor sleep patterns, no time to relax and these things simply compound the effects of stress.

What is the cost of stress to our healthcare system?

According to Medibank Private Research, the effects of stress are costing the Australian economy approximately $11.6 billion per year.

How can I manage my stress?

No matter what has caused your stress there is a lot you can do to help manage your stress levels. It will depend on how long you have been stressed, how severe the stress is and how it has affected you both emotionally and physically.

Stress management helps to reset your alarm system

Appropriate and healthy dietary and lifestyle choices can improve health, balance and vitality to help manage and recover from the effects of chronic stress. Identifying the best natural supplements such as B vitamins, magnesium and the right herbs can help to restore energy and support your nervous system.

What can a Naturopath do to help you?

• Help to identify your causes and address the symptoms
• Advise on the most effective nutrients to support you during periods of stress and recovery
• Support healthy mood, memory and brain function
• Provide guidelines to improve a healthier diet
• Recommend individual stress management techniques

Supporting the individual symptoms can help to provide short term relief and help deal with the causes that are driving chronic stress. Naturopath and Nutritionist Janne Ramsay can assess how stress is effecting your health and provide you with appropriate and individual nutritional, dietary and lifestyle recommendations, so that you can deal with the causes and symptoms and get back to a healthier you… Article by Naturopath Janne Ramsay