Why does that annoying zit surface before an interview, date, or selfie moment? Why do we sometimes suffer fatigue and lack energy?
Increased production of cortisol during stressed times results in an increased availability of glucose in order to facilitate the fight or flight response. More glucose means more insulin is release, and eventually the HPA Axis (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis) gets out of sync, and we develop abnormalities in our natural cortisol daily rhythm and an insensitivity to insulin. (This leads to elevated glucose which wreaks havoc on the body!) There is also evidence shown that the HPA axis hormones can be linked to certain stress-related skin diseases and skin tumors. This happens when HPA axis hormones become hyperactive in the brain, as a result of stress.[21]
What is the best way to manage stress?
1. Diet! Good FRESH food, plenty of healthy fats, lean protein, green, red and yellow vegetables, and PROBIOTICS. (We love full cream, plain Kefir. It contains protein, good fat, probiotics, and calcium all in one cup!)
2. Exercise. Particularly getting your heart rate up! Exercise every day with one day of rest a week.
3. Regular Sleep Patterns. Seriously, get those 7 1/2 hours every night.
4. Some form of stress management. Yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, calm music, whatever gets your heart rate down.
5. Screen-Free Time. Make a concerted effort to take a time-out from screens daily!
6. Laughter and Positive Social Interactions…and a little love thrown in.
These are the fundamentals to good health and a positive mental attitude, which helps keep the HPA Axis in check and your life and skin looking good.
Kim JE, Cho BK, Cho DH, Park HJ (July 2013). "Expression of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis in common skin diseases: evidence of its association with stress-related disease activity". Acta Dermato-venereologica. 93 (4): 387–93. doi:10.2340/00015555-1557. PMID 23462974.
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