Stress at work, stress at home, moving house, getting divorced, post-viral fatigue or bereavement.

These are all causes of stress that we hope to cope with automatically but which can place a heavy burden on our nervous, digestive, hormonal or circulatory systems.

Circumstances in our lives can change quite dramatically, but we tend to be creatures of habit and cling to comforting routines particularly during times when other things appear chaotic.

Eating habits are no different. Normally, most of us eat the same foods repeatedly without thinking about it too much.

Generally these foods will fuel our bodies with enough nutrients to keep our systems running relatively smoothly.

When life throws us a problem to solve, we should respond to match the challenge. This way we’ll maintain a healthy, responsive, alert system through the rough period and emerge still on top!

If you haven’t accommodated changes or stress from a situation, you may be experiencing:

  • poor concentration
  • irritability
  • insomnia
  • mild depression
  • cravings for sweets
  • headaches
  • binge eating
  • shakiness
  • memory loss
  • anger and aggression
  • stimulant addiction e.g. coffee, alcohol
  • heart palpations
  • dizziness
  • frequent urination
  • excessive appetite

If you recognise these symptoms of stress, they could be due to a blood sugar imbalance, a low micronutrient intake, anaemia, compromised liver and/or gut function, or adrenal fatigue.

As a result of continuing with the same dietary patterns, or increasing stimulants or 'comfort' eating, we tend to either overload or under feed our bodies in response to stress, creating more problems.

If you feel the need to recover from a situation or bring your systems back to normal to cope with the stress of everyday life, a programme can be devised to target particular symptoms.

1. Using foods that supply certain nutrients

2. Eliminating foods that can act as blocks to other nutrients being absorbed

3. Regulating sugar and energy levels

4. Feeding or restoring organs which have been neglected or over used

5. Increasing intake of specific vitamins or minerals to combat depleted levels.

Further information on coping with stress along with individual analysis of symptoms and food diaries can be sought at: foodhero.co.uk / info@foodhero.co.uk / 07813 983 927.

Speak with Helen Sullivan to find out more.