If you research top 10 life stressors, moving appears on every list. As the only stressor, this is plenty. But moving typically comes with changing jobs, financial stress and loss of significant relationships – which also appear on most lists – so moving packs a wallop.
Stress is called the silent killer because it’s related to 99% of all illnesses. Stress releases the hormone cortisol, which raises blood sugar. With constant stress, your body stays in cortisol overload, which negatively affects your weight, immune systems, memory loss and depression, and leads to heart attack and osteoporosis. It puts your body in a state of slow and steady breakdown. The absolute most important thing to reduce stress is proper nutrition. Of course, in the midst of moving, you may be too busy to shop properly and prepare wholesome meals, so PCSing families eat for convenience. Feeling exhausted, frustrated or overwhelmed, it’s easy to indulge in comfort foods. What can you do?
Here is a basic list to get you started (this applies to adults and children alike):
- Eat to stabilize blood sugar. High-glycemic foods (e.g., processed, instant and fast food; high in fat, salt or sugar) cause blood sugar to spike and drop and keep us on a high-glycemic roller coaster. This physiological impact amplifies negative expressions like anger, irritation and anxiety and can be minimized with foods that keep blood sugar stable. A low-glycemic diet is key.
- Drink plenty of water. The recommended amount is half your body-weight in ounces. We can do without food for a month, but we can live only a few days without water. This essential fluid must be replenished continually. Headaches, bodily tension and cravings for sweets could be signs of dehydration.
- Take high-quality supplements. This is the easiest health improvement to make. You’ll get a health boost even if you change nothing else. The nutrient value of even the best whole foods isn’t what it used to be; so, we’re not getting optimal nutrition. If you already take supplements, you’re among 70% of Americans that recognize you’re not getting all you need from food. If you don’t take supplements, consider doing so. Studies show that 92% of Americans are deficient in one or more essential nutrients. If you have a healthy diet, taking high-quality supplements helps you reach your health goals even faster. However, it’s important to know what to look for. All supplements definitely are NOT created equal so don’t waste your money on ones that don’t work or risk your health with ones that aren’t safe.
For more information on any of these points, please visitwww.FeelingGreatFeelsGreat.com.
Claire Fay is an integrative health counselor whose practice is aligned with the work of Dr. Christiane Northrup; NYT best-selling author and pioneer in women’s health. Claire offers free consultations to Military MK readers. Click here to learn more.
