Stress is A Toxin

I have practiced over twenty-one years and have watched stress in my patients lives hinder their responses to treatment at all levels. This is especially true with people who consider themselves to be in hopeless helpless situations and with people who view themselves on a treadmill of circumstances where there seems no means of escape. For successful treatment results this stress must be alleviated. The mind body connection is real and powerful. Interestingly, two people can be in similar situations but there perceptions of the situations can be vastly different. Accordingly, the outcome of the two situations can be vastly different. In some cases attempting to treat the body would just be a waste of time if the thinking was not addressed first. Eastern medicine has for a long time recognized the relationship between emotions and the body. For example, worry affects digestion, fear interferes with the adrenals and kidneys, grief affects the lungs and anger disrupts the livers abilities to cleanse the body of toxins.

Stress is a toxin. The best way to deal with this toxin is to detoxify the mind. Our belief systems affect the trillions of cells that make up our bodies. If we experience a negative emotional state like anger, jealousy, sadness, or frustration the brain alerts the adrenal glands, which are known as our fight or flight organs, and the adrenals release stress hormones, which affect every system in the body. This stress cycle suppresses the immune system, increases free radical productions, increases intestinal permeability, digestive processes are interfered with, it increases the permeability of the blood brain barrier, and it adds stress to the liver and the heart. All of these things are harmful to the body. Emotion is experienced by our entire being and as a result affects our entire being. When this becomes the norm for an individual you can see that damage will result.

In his book, “Alkalize or Die,” Dr. Theodore A. Baroody states,” Any stressor that the mind or body interprets and internalizes as too much to deal with, leaves an acid residue.”1 Remember the body is healthiest internally when it is slightly alkaline. The acid that is formed in the body with stress actually makes us feel bad as well as increasing susceptibility to disease.

Dr. Baroody paints a word picture in this same book, which is worth reviewing. He states, “If mildly stressed, it is the same as pouring 1/8 a cup of sugar down the throat at one time. If moderately stressed; 2/3 cup; if severely stressed 1 1/2 cups.” 2

This helps to put in perspective how important it is to our health to deal effectively with emotional stress. There is an opposite side to every coin. We’ve talked about the ill effects of negative emotions now let’s consider the healthy effects of positive emotions. In scientific research the placebo effect must be considered in every valid study. This represents the effect that is seen in individuals who have decided to take action steps to improve their health. The act of thinking that a person’s health will be improved can actually bring a measurable change, which is known as the placebo effect. The mind is an important possible contributor to disease and it has the power to exert an equally strong potential influence on a cure. With this in mind, (no pun intended) it is important to be vigilant about the state of our minds. Studies report that a majority of our self-talk could be categorized as negative. Learning to have a positive kinder outlook towards our self will affect our relationships with others, and ourselves, which will reduce stress. We need to train ourselves to label circumstances from a positive outlook. Perspective and perception are ultimately of critical importance regarding the effect circumstances have on us and the eventual outcome we will experience. True wellness includes mental and emotional wholeness. I am thankful that have the opportunity to have an intimate relationship with the One who restores our soul.

The best solution for stress is to change those situations that are within your control to change and to address a thinking change for all the rest. Perspective can make all the difference. It may be that you have to choose a different perspective. Also remember that remaining in a place of thankfulness is key to our victory.

Some further thoughts to consider for stress elimination include:

Refuse to live in contradiction to your beliefs or values
Practice frequent laughter
Deeply breathing in through the nose and from the belly and holding for a couple of seconds before forcibly breathing out through the mouth is a great stress reducer
Practice daily relaxation
Meditate on God’s Word
Learn to enjoy the now moment

Resources:
1. Baroody, Phd., Theodore A. Alkalize or Die. 8th ed. Waynesville: Holographic Health P, 2002. 163.
2. Baroody, Phd., Theodore A. Alkalize or Die. 8th ed. Waynesville: Holographic Health P, 2002. 164.