Holidays

Holidays are suppose to be a joyful time. I find that this time of year can be very stressful for patients. So many people get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and life. The stores are busy and patience is low. The streets are busier, causing delays on the road. The traditional American holiday meal is full of refined sugar and starch, leaving people in a food coma. Just painting this picture is making me feel stressed. Did you know this kind of stress can raise havoc in your body? When we are stressed our adrenal glands (the stress gland) sugars cortisol, making it difficult for your body to regulate blood sugar. If we stay in a stressful state for long periods of time our adrenal glands become exhausted. This causing a decrease in cortisol. Having too little cortisol also makes it difficult for the body to stabilize blood sugar. This is one of the reasons why we test out patients adrenal glands to see how they are functioning. How is your daily stress affecting your body?

In our daily lives we make choices. Find joy and happiness during the holidays. Learn to manage your stress for a stress free holiday. Remember that stress is causing more damage to your body than you realize. Be grateful for everything you have. Start new family traditions that correspond with a healthy lifestyle. When you find joy in life it becomes contagious to everyone that crosses your path. Share your joy to the world and have a healthy holiday.