Dealing With Stress: A Natural Approach

stress erasingStress is unavoidable and is part of our lives.

Some stress can be good. A certain amount of stress motivates us to grow and mature. However, constant stress can lead to a host of health problems. Over the next few weeks, this series will look at how stress can cause anxiety, depression, memory problems and overall mood issues. We will also discuss some natural remedies for dealing with stress, including what you can do to avoid it in the first place.

Our bodies are designed to handle stress. In fact, the adrenal glands are the endocrine organs responsible for the body’s response to stress. However, when stress is prolonged, the physical effects of stress begin to show. This is due to increased production by the adrenal glands of the hormone cortisol, which can affect everything from blood sugar levels to thyroid hormone production and sleep quality.

Fortunately, there are measures that can be taken to reduce the physical and emotional toll of stress on the body. Stress reduction techniques like meditation, biofeedback, exercising, or yoga are invaluable. In addition, there are several nutritional supplements that can reduce the effects of stress. To learn more about what you can do, visit our blog next week, when we will be talking about anxiety.

If you would like some support now, Village Green’s naturopathic doctors and certified nutritionists are available for individualized consultations for a personal assessment of your unique situation. During your appointment (either by phone or in-person), our practitioners will:  Continue reading “Dealing With Stress: A Natural Approach”

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Identifying the Most Common Reasons for Weight Gain

scale weight gainThe most common reasons for weight gain, and the struggles many of us face with losing weight and maintaining our weight, are Who, What, When, Where, How and Why. To identify and understand your own reasons for weight gain, answer the following questions. Your honest answers will help you create a personal weight loss plan that actually works – once and for all!

Who triggers you to overeat?

  • A boss who triggers us to grab foods we think will calm or relax us after a stressful day at the office
  • A friend or partner who encourages us to overeat because they want a “food buddy”
  • Someone who shows their love for you through the food they’ve prepared (or purchased) and we eat to avoid hurting their feelings

What types of foods are you eating?

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How to Enjoy Summer Success: 6 Steps to Maintain Control and Achieve Goals

woman beach goals success1How do you enjoy the summer, accomplish all that you want to do and maintain control over those areas you struggle with most? As always, to achieve goals you need to start with a plan. Whether you want to maintain your weight, tackle a sport, or begin a new relationship, summer success is possible with these six steps.

 

Step One: Re‐evaluate the previous summer. How did it go last summer? How did you handle things? Did you maintain the way you wanted to? Using the following areas we typically struggle with most, answer the following:

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Enjoy Nature and Be Healthier

692My family and I just got back from 2 weeks away at our little cottage far up north. No television, no internet, no cell service. Instead, my family and I took advantage of the surrounding lakes, hills and forests as an opportunity to enjoy nature. I can truly say we were all more relaxed and happier. I believe in the connection between nature and health.

Many studies have shown that nature acts as a stress buffer and promoter of health – mental health in particular. Researchers from the United Kingdom, Japan, China, and the US have connected parks, gardens, green areas, and forests with lower mortality from cancers, circulatory diseases, stroke, and other causes.

You don’t have to have a cottage or even be outside all day to enjoy the benefits, but even an hour a day spent in some sort of green space can be beneficial for your overall health.

Here are 6 ways that nature can help your health.

1. Better overall health and quality of life – A Danish study that looked at associations between green space and health found a link between distance to green space and health-related quality of life. The researchers believe that green spaces may help manage stress.

2. Boosting your immune system – In a 2011 study, researchers found that visiting a forest – but not a city – enhances natural killer (NK) cell activity. Moreover, further visits to the forest maintained a higher level of NK cell activity. Natural killer cells are a type of white blood cell that’s a key component of a healthy immune system.  Continue reading “Enjoy Nature and Be Healthier”

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The Calming Effect of Kava Gold

Most of us don’t have to worry about the stresses of performing in front of the whole world (I do like to watch those Olympic games), but we all have our own worries and concerns.

Unfortunately, stressful situations are part of our daily existence, whether it be work-related, dealing with family problems or trying to pay the bills. Consider the calming effect of kava.

Pathway Kava Gold is the gold standard for soothing mind and soul. It effectively calms stress, anxiety and nervous irritability – without grogginess. Our superior formulation combines kava with other powerful stress-supporting botanicals.

To find out if Kava Gold is right for you, contact Village Green Apothecary at 1-800-869-9159.

 

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Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
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  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
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  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
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  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
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