YOUR HEALTH

Dr. Jerry Lee Hoover N.D. Dr. Hoover Costa Rica for three years. He is a Doctor of Naturopathy and operated a Natural Health Clinic in Florida. He have written many articles that have been published in Health magazines in the U.S. and has authored a book titled Natural Medicine which has also been translated into Spanish.  Dr. Hoover likes living in Costa Rica and enjoys sharing health information that can be beneficial to all those who read it.  If any readers have any questions they can be sent to: DrJerryLeeHooverND@Yahoo.com

NATURAL WAYS DEAL WITH STRESS - Part II
By Dr. Jerry Lee Hoover N.D.

In my last article I explained that when in a stressful situation our adrenaline glands pump
extra adrenaline into our blood stream causing our heart to beat faster, our breathing increases, etc. I went on to explain that a lot of water and exercise was the best way to eliminate the extra adrenaline in our blood stream. 

I also mentioned that many people under stress have a cup of coffee and light up, not knowing that this only increases the adrenaline output, causing more stress. How does food affect stress? Many foods can cause nervousness such as artifical colors, MSG, chocolate, etc. 

But the major one that affects everyone is refined sugar and this is the one I will be focusing on. The average American eats over 45 teaspoons of sugar a day. Large amounts of sugar are in almost everything we eat. Four examples are: bottle of coke-10 teaspoons, glazed doughnut-6 teaspoons, half cup of rice pudding-5 teaspoons and a bannana split-25 teaspoons. 

Sugar is a carbohydrate and in its natural form as found in the sugar cane or sugar beet, contains a large amount of fiber, iron, potassium, calcium, B-vitamins, etc. These nutrients are needed to digest the sugar that is found in the sugar beets or cane. 

However white sugar has been robbed of almost 100% of these nutrients and consists mostly of empty calories. Because refined sugar has had almost all the nutrients removed that are neceassary for its assimulation by the body, it latches onto these nutrients, especially the B-vitamins and so the person who eats alot of sugar is bound to be deficient in B-vitamins. 

Why are B-vitamins so important? One of the functions of the B-vitamins is to help us to think clearly and it also helps us to stay calm. If we cut down on our sugar intake and eat more foods containing B-vitamins we will be able to handle stress to a greater degree. 

Some foods that are high in the B-vitamins are: whole grains, legumes, nuts, potatoes, avocadoes, etc. It would be better if we used more honey and brown sugar, as brown sugar still contains many of the minerals and vitamins. Note: This is not true with most of the brown sugar found in the U.S. as it is only white sugar with color added but here in Costa Rica it is possible to buy real brown sugar.


Mental ways to cope with stress? People today are programed to be negative. Our news media, the newspaper, television, and radio are slanted to cover the unpleasant, the ugly, the tragic, and this promotes feelings of suspicion, envy, unhappiness, etc. 

The condition of the mind affects the health to a far greater degree than many realize. We ned to be more positive, to look to the bright side. Humor is a powerful ally in ones quest for relaxation. A good laugh triggers the release of endorphines that produce feelings of euphoria. It also suppresses the production of cortisol a hormone released when you are under stress. Crying can also serve to release tensions, its part of our healing process. 

Deep breathing helps to control stress. It provides your body with extra oxygen that helps relax your muscles and organs. To deep breath properly your stomach will expand as air fills the bottom portion of your lungs. Breath in slowly and evenly, taking at least three seconds to inhale and three seconds to exhale. 

Try to make the two parts equal. Herbs verses anti-depressants! All anti-depressants slow down your body´s processes.  They can cause one not to think clearly,(thus creating more stress),they can cause weight gain, fatigue, kidney problems, impotence, etc. 

Where as certain herbs will help calm you down and they have no known side effects. Two herbs which I recommend for stress are catnip and hops. Both herbs are mild tranquilizers and sedatives. Use two teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Steep 20 minutes or longeer. Do not boil either herb, especially catnip as boiling dissipates its healing oil. 

You should experience a soothing, relaxing calm within 30 minutes after ingesting the herb. Note: Tintures and capsuls are not as effective.

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