When it comes to stress, most people connect it with a feeling. Mental and emotional stress is the most well-known form of stress. And the idea of feeling “stressed out” is common, particularly in this day and age. But there are more types of stress that can impact your health. These forms of stress tend to fly under the radar more often. But they contribute to symptoms and dis-ease in the body as much as mental and emotional stress do. In this post, we’re going to look at four forms of hidden stress.
Inflammatory foods
It has been said that one man’s food is another man’s poison, and this is true. Some foods, even those considered healthy, may not work for every person. Some of the foods you regularly eat may be causing inflammation in your body. And you may have no idea that this is happening!
Do you struggle with any of the following symptoms?
- Frequent bloating and nausea
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Congestion and post-nasal drip
- Dark circles under your eyes
- Diarrhea, constipation, or IBS
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Joint pain
- Skin issues like eczema
- Acne
- Asthma or respiratory issues
- Easily catch colds or flu
Inflammation caused by food sensitivities causes these common signs. A food sensitivity is different than an allergy. Allergies create a negative reaction from the immune system which can cause life-threatening issues such as anaphylaxis. Food sensitivities, cause inflammation in the digestive system. But your digestive system and the function of your body are closely connected. And so, food sensitivity doesn’t simply impact your digestion. It impacts your entire body.
Some of the most common food sensitivities include dairy products, eggs, peanuts, shellfish, gluten, corn, soy, beef and pork, and coffee. Others are sensitive to FODMAPS, a type of carbohydrate that ferments easily in the stomach and is poorly absorbed.
Simple testing uncovers food sensitivities that will allow you to understand which foods create inflammation. After receiving test results you will know which foods to remove from your diet to reduce inflammation. Lowering inflammation reduces stress on the body.
Pesticides and GMOs
Pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides are commonly used on conventionally grown crops in the US and other countries around the world. But these commonly used chemicals create stress in the body which can cause illness. Some pesticides negatively impact the nervous system, while others cause stress to hormone balance. They could even be carcinogenic, increasing the risk of cancer.
Many GMO plants are glyphosate ready. They have been genetically modified to allow a farmer to use increased amounts of the herbicide glyphosate without harming the plant. Glyphosate is the most highly used herbicide in the US. But exposure to this common product has come with an increase in reproductive issues and cancer. The health issues connected with the use of glyphosate have prompted thousands of lawsuits against the largest manufacturers of glyphosate. Because of this, the largest producer of glyphosate, Bayer AG has said that it is planning to remove glyphosate products from the US market by 2023.
These chemicals cause a great deal of stress on the body. Reduce or eliminate this source of stress by avoiding conventionally grown produce containing these chemicals. Opt for organic produce when possible. You can also steer clear of eating foods made from GMO ingredients. And avoid using chemical pesticides and herbicides in your home and yard.
Parasites and bacteria
Most people have heard of parasites. Many people associate tropical climates and third-world countries with parasite infections. That leads many in the US to believe that parasite infections aren’t a problem for them. But that isn’t the case. Parasites are organisms that live inside a host body. While parasites are not a disease, they can definitely spread disease. And they are a common source of hidden stress in the body.
There are currently five parasite infections that have been targeted by the CDC.
- Chagas disease can cause heart failure and even death.
- Neurocysticercosis is the single most common infectious cause of seizures in certain areas of the US.
- Toxocariasis is a parasitic infection of cats and dogs. Approximately 14% of people in the US have been exposed to toxocariasis.
- Toxoplasmosis is a leading cause of food-based illness and death. This parasite infects as many as 60 million people.
- Trichomoniasis increases the risk of HIV or serious pregnancy problems. It is treatable.
Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine (SIBO) is another source of hidden stress. SIBO causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, acid reflux, skin problems, food sensitivities, anemia, and malnutrition.
SIBO occurs when friendly gut bacteria from the large intestine wind up in the small intestine. Large colonies of beneficial bacteria highly populate the large intestine. When there, these bacteria are beneficial. But when too many of them travel to the small intestine where they don’t belong, symptoms occur.
You can discover parasites or SIBO through testing. Functional testing can detect infections so that you can begin addressing them. Eliminating parasites and bringing SIBO under control can help reduce the hidden stress on the body.
EMF Radiation
In this modern age, electromagnetic radiation surrounds us. Your smartphone, microwave, Wi-Fi, smart meters, computers, television, fitness trackers and so many more items all send and/or receive electromagnetic radiation. You expose yourself to it 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Studies are now showing that exposure to EMF radiation can cross the blood-brain barrier. And EMFs could damage the body’s ability to protect itself from other toxins. This can create additional, hidden stress on the body, leading to symptoms and disease.
More studies need to be done to uncover the extent to which EMF radiation impacts health. But EMF radiation is still a concern because it could increase cancer risk.
We’ve covered only four of the top hidden sources of stress on the body. Reducing these sources of stress can help you to begin reducing any symptoms that are the result of the hidden stressors.
Uncover the hidden sources of stress that are preventing you from feeling your best! The practitioners at FDNthrive can help! They use functional lab testing to help get to the root of your hidden stress. They can help you find the right holistic protocol to help your body undo hidden stress. That’ll help you get well and stay well…naturally. Contact us to see if we are the right solution for you.
