by Paul Kramer, R.N.C.
VICE PRESIDENT, PRODUCT RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
It seems most of us are running so fast through our days, when we finally collapse at night, we literally feel as
if we’ve ran a marathon. What effect is this having on our health and happiness? A negative one it would seem as
it has been estimated that 75-90% of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress related problems.
Stress and depression are two of the most common modern health complaints. These two health issues are related, yet
are very different. Stress is the result of over-work, running around aiming to meet dead-lines, and poor nutritional
habits. Stress is an unavoidable aspect of life; however it seems that today we are affected by a different and more
severe kind of stress. Today, worry about personal finances and job related stress is a problem all over the world.
A recent United Nations Report called stress “The 20th Century Epidemic”. Stress, anxiety, and depression exist in
a vicious circle, leading to one another. Stress is a major contributing factor to depression and anxiety, with
negative effects being seen in the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and several internal organs. When we are stressed
our body releases additional adrenaline, cortisol, and other stress-related hormones. Over stimulation of the stress
hormones can lead to “burn out”- a state of severe exhaustion.
Stress is related to - and greatly affected by nutrition and diet. Adequate levels of vitamins, mineral and
antioxidants can help the body deal with the negative aspects of stress. Healthy foods and optimal protein and
fibre intake can help balance blood sugar levels may help control stress and depression. Many people who suffer
depression also have wild blood sugar imbalances.
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