The Big Stress Need-to-Knows

Chronic stress has a hugely negative import on our mental and physical health. In this post, we're getting into the stress what-why, foods and boosters that will help your body manage stress, and the blends we've created to support it. 

Stress has been linked to six of the leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, liver cirrhosis, and suicide. 

It’s been proven that what you eat can help support your body and mind avoid the negative impact of Chronic stress, so we’re doing a deep dive today on the what-why of it all.

What is Stress?

Stress is a physical, mental, or emotional reaction to changes that require a response from the body. There's 'good stress', which is typically triggered by a happy or exciting experience (eg. a first date, promotion, roller coaster ride).  

Another is acute stress, which is a short-term type based largely on recent or future events that often dissipates after the stressful event has passed. Unlike 'good stress', it is triggered by unhappy/negative experiences.  Acute stress can become chronic when ongoing and left untreated.  

Chronic stress (bad stress) is harmful and known to cause severe emotional and physical effects if not treated.  

Why: when stressed, your adrenal glands release the stress hormone cortisol. Too much cortisol can be the culprit of low energy, hormonal imbalance, weight gain, insomnia, digestive issues, immunity weakness, depression, anxiety, irritability, panic attacks, cognitive dysfunction, and the serious critical illnesses noted above.  When able to adapt to stress, we significantly reduce the negative impact it has on our bodies. More importantly, prevention/stress management is key for long-term health. 

Nourish for Stress Support

Load up on fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, plant-proteins. Avoid refined sugar & processed foods.

Add Mood-Regulating Adaptogens: adaptogens (edible plants that have been shown to help the brain and body adapt in stressful situations) are high on our list for the combined mind & body support they give. These are some of our go-to adaptogens that have shown to help the body respond to stressful situations by functioning as a mood stabilizer and decrease symptoms of mild depression.

* Ashwagandha: reducing stress & anxiety, boosting immunity, adrenal fatigue

* Maca: hormone balance, adrenal function

* Turmeric: inflammation reduction, brain function

* Reishi: reducing stress & anxiety, boosting immunity, sleep quality

* Cordyceps: boosting energy & stamina, adrenal function

* Lion’s Mane: brain function, boosting energy

Up Your Intake: Vitamins A, Bs, C, D, E, L-theanine, Magnesium.

Skip caffeine, alcohol, drugs and nicotine: avoid using any stimulants, which can provide some very short-term relief, but tend to accelerate the mental & physical reactions to stress (hangxiety is a thing!).

Blended For Your Stress Support

All of the blends below are high in adaptogens, boosters & core ingredients that support your body’s ability to manage stress and reduce its impact.

For calming, sleep & relaxation support:

Sweet Sleep

Daily Chai

Vita-C Immunity

The Athlete

The Remedy

Talk to your health practitioner if you are struggling with managing stress, anxiety and/or depression.

The Stress-Support Smoothie Bowl

We love this Shroom Energy Smoothie Bowl for when we need extra stress support. The Lions Mane, Cordyceps & Maca boost immunity, provide natural energy & support mental clarity. Naturally high in magnesium, antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin B6, zinc and iron.

Quick prep steps: let pack soften (so you can break down the smoothie in pack) & add to blender fill the empty pouch about 1/3 of the way with coconut milk (or liquid of choice), add to blender, blend. Smoothie texture should be thick.
Thicken a little more: add any of: 1/3 cup of ice, 1/2 banana, or 1/4 of an avocado.
pour into bowl or mason jar & add toppings
Toppings
1 tbsp chia seeds*
1 tbsp coconut chips (unsweetened)
1 tbsp cacao nibs
2 tbsp baked, sugar-free granola

* Chia Seeds: chia is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in brain health and mood regulation. They're also a good source of magnesium, a calming mineral that has been shown to help with sleep. Low levels of magnesium are linked to depression and anxiety. Upping your intake of chia can have positive effects on everything from anxiety to insomnia and PMS symptoms.

Enjoy, energize & stress-bust!