Ever felt stressed out, only to find yourself reaching for candy? You’re not alone. For many, a sugar rush helps to ease the frustration of daily life. New research helps us understand why this is true.
Recent researcher reveals that eating sweets reduces the production of a stress hormone called glucocorticoid. And, too much of this stress hormone can lead to a weakened immune system.
But is eating sweets the best way to beat stress? In today’s Health Alert, I’ll tell you what the researchers found and what you can do to relax and stay cool.
Sugar as Medicine?
It’s a candy lover’s dream. The folks at the University of Cincinnati found that sugar lowers the two most common types of stress – physical and psychological. During their experiment, lab rats that ate or drank sweet snacks had lower levels of stress hormone.
I hate to spoil the party, but eating refined sugar to relieve stress is dangerous. For the few moments of stress relief you may get from eating it, you’re exposing yourself to dozens of other health threats.
First and foremost, it all depends on the type of sugars. Naturally occurring is usually good for you and man-made sugars are full of health hazards. For one thing they triggers more insulin and weight gain. Synthetic sugars lead to a host of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease. These sugars accelerate the growth of cancer cells and speed the aging process.
Does that mean you have to avoid it altogether? Not exactly. In fact, if you have to sweeten your coffee, I would recommend real sugar over artificial sweeteners – which are actually much worse.
But don’t overdo it. Consume it sparingly – like the occasional dessert after a healthy dinner.
Tips for Reliable Stress Relief
In any case, your body is equipped with a better way of fighting stress. DHEA – the anti-stress hormone – will naturally lower stress hormones, allowing you to react with grace under pressure.
You simply have to give your body the right resources to maintain proper DHEA levels. Here are a few tips to get you started:
• Natural Foods: Start by lowering – or eliminating – modern additions to our diet – processed grains and sugars.
• Low GI Foods: Choose foods that are low on the Glycemic Index – below 40 is best.
• Right Exercise: Getting your heart rate up is one of the best ways to relieve stress. (See Health Alert 58 for more details.)
• Get Enough Sleep: Don’t deprive yourself. Lack of sleep will drain your immune system and is a cause of stress on its own.
• Relax and Breathe: Take a few minutes each day to sit and watch your breath. Deep, slow breathing will focus your mind and allow you to let go of stressful conditions.
• Alone Time: Set aside time to be on your own. A little solitude works wonders.
If this isn’t enough, you may need a DHEA supplement. But I do not recommend taking DHEA without having your blood tested first. (For more information about DHEA, see Health Alert 40.)
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, MD