We’ve all been there one way or another: You hit the snooze button too many times, leaving you with no time for breakfast and scrambling to get out of the house only to be stuck in bumper to bumper traffic all the while panicking about missing that first all important meeting at work, and it’s only 8a.m. For many of us the stress doesn’t stop there. We rush through work all the while thinking about everything we need to accomplish afterwards, whether it’s obligations with our kids, household chores, making dinner, getting to the gym, or like many of us, all of the above. As our minds keep telling us to “Go, go, go”, “Hurry up”, and “I don’t have time”, the stress placed on our bodies is telling us “I can’t keep up”, “You’re wearing me out”, “Slow down!”.                  

As we’ve mentioned in previous blogs, this constant stress response promotes the over-release of the stress hormone cortisol which can lead to a cascade of problems including weight gain, poor sleep, a decreased immune system, cardiovascular damage and many more. In addition, research has found that high cortisol levels can cause your hippocampus (as seen in blue in the picture on the right), a structure in your brain that is responsible for short-term memory and mood, to atrophy and SHRINK! This can actually be seen on an MRI. When this happens, you increase your risk of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances and short-term memory loss. Researchers are also now finding that the first symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is depression.

 The good news: Scientists are now saying that the hippocampus is one of the few structures in the brain that can regenerate. This means that you CAN heal your brain by making some changes in your lifestyle. Remember, the food you eat, the thoughts that go through your head, and your exercise routine can all either help or worsen the situation. To learn more, sign up for our Wellness 101 Lecture on our events page. Workshop dates for 2010 are coming soon!

We’re always happy to discuss your health concerns in person or over the phone, feel free to call us for a complimentary consultation.

Dorothy Lizak

Nutrition & Wellness Specialist