The holidays and your stress levels
I have had so many women complain that their symptoms have worsened over the holiday period, especially the frequency of hot flushes. Why is this and what can you do to put it right?
We have talked before about how the adrenal glands are involved with supporting your hormonal system and your nervous system, so anything that is going to stress them may have a knock-on effect on the symptoms you are experiencing.
The stress of organising Christmas is a huge and relentless day-by-day task for many women, which pressurises the adrenals. Worrying about everything harasses the adrenals too. Rich, heavy food, alcohol, and high salt and sugar foods not only rev up your adrenals but also stress the digestive system, which will have an effect on oestrogen control.
So your poor adrenals, which usually cope so well in controlling your symptoms, become totally overwhelmed and your symptoms resurface.
Christmas and New Year are times to have fun but it is important to keep your diet as good as possible, remembering to drink plenty of water in between any alcohol you may take and making sure that all that festive fare doesn’t constipate you! As soon as the festivities are over try to quickly go back to sensible eating and exercising.
If your nerves are still frayed then take remedies such as Passiflora Complex, Avena sativa and add in some extra magnesium. Relaxation is vital and after days of sitting inside in front of the TV get outside for a good walk and some winter sunshine!
