Stress is a normal part of life, and our bodies are designed to cope with it. For our ancient ancestors, stress was intense but intermittent- such as escaping from dangerous predators and searching for food. Modern life often subjects us to constant, lower-level stress that piles up and taxes our nervous systems. Eating the wrong foods can also be hard on the body. Adhering to the blood type diet enables your body to work more efficiently, here is a post about managing stress through diet.
Sympathetic Nervous System vs. Parasympathetic Nervous System
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is responsible for the “fight or flight” response, while the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) relaxes the body after the danger has passed. The two systems work in balanced opposition to each other. The SNS causes your heart to beat faster and harder, while the PNS slows down the heart, and relaxes the artery walls, allowing freer blood flow, and lets more oxygen get to the heart muscle. Most of the healing in the body happens when the PNS is in charge, including healing the subtle damage from normal “wear and tear” of life. Chronic stress often leads to the SNS being active for longer, and the PNS not engaging properly.
Hormones are responsible for our response to stress.
The adrenal glands release Adrenaline and Noradrenalin, which are short-acting hormones that speed up heart rate and blood pressure, reduce digestion, and make you more alert. In response to longer-term or more severe stress, the adrenal gland releases cortisol. This hormone enables the body to break down muscle to provide immediate energy. The proper levels of cortisol will reduce inflammation, reduce allergies, and promote healing. Too much or prolonged exposure to cortisol can lead to ulcers, heart disease, muscle loss, insomnia, and other ailments. High cortisol levels can cause “brain fog”. It can also lead to obesity because it encourages the breakdown of muscle rather than fat. Exercising Right 4 Your Type can help combat the effects of stress on your body. Check out the chart below or click here to find out more about exercise based on blood type!
Another way to manage stress from the inside out is our Calm Pack.
