MINI SERIES: STRESS #2 - THE FOUR SIGNS TO WATCH OUT FOR

STRESS - THE FOUR SIGNS TO WATCH OUT FOR

1. SKIN

Stress can also have a major impact on the skin's appearance. with certain skin conditions actually directly caused by stress. These include:

Dryness/Dullness. Raised levels of cortisol promotes transepidermal water loss resulting in dry and dull skin appearance.

Fine Lines. Raised cortisol can trigger elevated blood sugar levels via a process known as glycation. Ultimately, glycation damages collagen and elastin, two fibers that help to keep skin smooth, plump and firm. Counteract the effects with vitamin A along with antioxidants to stimulate collagen production and help diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Acne. Stress triggers the release of androgens (male hormones) like testosterone which are responsible for the production of sebum. Women suffer more than men as they produce a much higher amount of androgens in the adrenal gland than men. Incorporate treatments with salicylic acid and vitamin A to control bacteria, clogged pores and to normalise sebum production.

2. NO SLEEP

Your skin is the window to what's going on in your body internally, so if you're not sleeping and your system isn't functioning properly, you're going to notice a dull complexion, dry, flaky skin and breakouts. Stress causes magnesium deficiency. The benefits of magnesium for anxiety and stress are substantial. When people are low in magnesium, they feel anxious, suffer with muscle cramps and may experience insomnia. Lack of sleep will also have a negative impact on skin health. A recent study found that poor quality sleepers showed increased signs of intrinsic skin ageing including fine lines, uneven pigmentation and reduced elasticity.

3. LOW ENERGY

Stress can put more demand on the B vitamins in the body.

B vitamins are depleted by stress hormones such as cortisol. which get used up during stress responses such as the tensing of muscles and the rise of blood pressure.

B vitamins are important vitamins as they contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism and are key for supporting mental health and combating stress. As B vitamins are water soluble they need to be replenished on a regular basis. Good sources of foods rich in B vitamins include cereals and grains, meats, fish, poultry, milk, eggs and vegetables. Supplementing your diet with B vitamins is an effective way to ensure you get enough on a daily basis.

4. GUT HEALTH

When the body is under stress, cortisol diverts energy away from the gut to muscles and the brain. It works to keep blood sugar elevated by feeding glucose to the brain and retains sodium to keep blood pressure levels up. During this fight-or-flight response, immune system and digestion slows down, this can cause the gut to become vulnerable to infection and inflammation.

Probiotics help supply the gut with beneficial bacteria. These 'good' bacteria play key roles in helping to maintain a healthy gut. They assist in digestion and, in fact, produce substances that nourish the lining of the intestines. By supporting digestive health, and addressing these internal imbalances, this may help reduce bloating and improve general well-being. A recent study published in The Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology found that consistent stress negativity affects the amount and diversity of your good gut flora.

Original article: IIAA Bulletin November 2017