“If you eat infl ammatory foods every
day, and your body is consistently low
in the essential nutrients it needs, then
it’s only a matter of time until the stress
wins out and something in your body
breaks,” says Peter Glidden, ND. To optimize
health, Glidden suggests eliminating
foods such as wheat, barley, rye, oats,
well-done red meat, meat with added
nitrates, the skins of baked potatoes, and
genetically modifi ed corn or soy
ADAPT WITH ADAPTOGENS
Adaptogens get their names from the adaptive properties the plants exhibit in nature, meaning the plants respond
and adapt well to stressful environmental conditions, making them hardier and stronger. Fortunately, these herbs have
the same effect on us. The following adaptogens can help to improve your stress response and mitigate the negative
impact stress has on your immune system. As a result, these adaptogens help restore balance to your entire body.
^ ASHWAGANDHA^
is a calming
adaptogen that
supports healthy
adrenal function.
It is often used to
relieve anxiety and
fatigue, and to help balance the
immune system by reducing
cortisol levels. During one
randomized, double-blind, placebo-
controlled trial involving 64 people
with a history of chronic stress,
those taking ashwagandha twice a
day for 60 days showed significantly
reduced stress-assessment scores.
Serum cortisol levels were also
substantially lower and more normal
in the ashwagandha group compared
to those in the placebo group.^ HOLY BASIL is
commonly used
to reduce the
effects of stress
while improving
memory. But more
recent studies show
that it also contributes to
a healthy immune response, thanks
to the active constituent eugenol.
It’s so powerful, holy basil has even
demonstrated antimicrobial effects
against Streptococcus mutans, thepathogen responsible for tooth and
gum disease.^ RHODIOLA is best
known for its ability
to enhance energy,
endurance, alertness,
and memory while
reducing fatigue.
Recent finding in the
Archives of Virology
suggest that it also boosts NK
cell levels (which helps enhance
immune function) and produces
an antiviral immune response for
stress-free protection.
—Kim Erickson(an informative video on his website,
glidden.healthcare, explains why each
may be problematic). And get your daily
allowance of the 60 minerals, 16 vitamins,
12 amino acids, and two fatty acids that
the human body cannot make.
What we fuel our bodies with in the
morning enables—or disables—our interac-
tions during the day. “Try experimenting
with this,” says Bodzak. “Grab a bagel or
croissant at Starbucks and notice howyou feel at 10 a.m. Another morning,
have a cleaner, more soothing breakfast:
a smoothie, or scrambled tofu with
veggies, or a coconut yogurt parfait, and
then notice how you feel at 10 a.m. You’ll
be surprised how much you notice the
diff erence. Listen to your body.”
As Bodzak indicates, certain foods
are soothing and actually help relieve
stress. In general, good-quality fats such
as coconut, avocado, and salmon areWalk barefoot on the dirt or sand
for a few minutes to connect to the
earth‘s natural energy charge. Called
“earthing,” this practice contributes
to vibrant health.
(^40) • SEPTEMBER 2017