Exercise; This area of life is probably the one you have the most control over but possibly is the most difficult to change. I’m sure you are aware of the importance of exercise. We all know the effects of lack of physical conditioning; weak muscles, weak bones, weak heart, etc. It is crucial to maintain some level of physical activity and conditioning. One of the most important aspects of working with chronic inflammatory and weight loss patients is to keep them moving. Walking, stretching, yoga, and swimming are activities I strongly encourage all my patients to do. I recommend doing your exercise program where you feel the most comfortable. If a gym is your choice, then join one. Many of my patients can get their exercise in and around their own home. Some prefer a personal trainer to come to their home, or work with them at a fitness facility. The best exercise for you is the one that you will do with regularity. A significant part of maintaining health and reducing your risk for developing disease is to exercise. However, people with inflammation often over do what they are capable of. Personal trainers are a great resource if this is the case, and if they are well acquainted with your condition and all of its nuances. Massage Therapy is a wonderful adjunct to your therapy but again, only if the therapist is well versed in what you suffer from. Be careful when choosing your lifestyle programs. It is important to move but only within the confines of your abilities and with properly trained support people you trust.
Stress; The body treats physical and emotional stress in the same manner. Stress is one of the most significant reasons chronic inflammatory diseases are escalating. Too much stress in our lives produces destructive hormones that alter many functions. It can alter thyroid function. It can decrease your resistance to disease, attack organs such as your heart and brain. It can alter your responses to insulin and ultimately, alter the way your body handles sugar. Stress causes your adrenal gland to hyper secrete a hormone called Cortisol. This hormone is sometimes referred to as the stress hormone. Other hormones are produced in response to stress and in combination with Cortisol can wreak havoc throughout the body. The internal damage done to organs, such as the liver, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, gastrointestinal tract, and cardiovascular system is extensive. We all are under too much stress. We can’t get away from it. Stress is a normal part of today’s life. However, the amount and severity of the stress we suffer in today’s society, is not normal. Marital Issues/Divorce, Financial Pressures, Job or Lack of a Job, Death of a Loved One, Lack of Relaxation, Children/Elderly Parents are some causes of stress.
Stress; The body treats physical and emotional stress in the same manner. Stress is one of the most significant reasons chronic inflammatory diseases are escalating. Too much stress in our lives produces destructive hormones that alter many functions. It can alter thyroid function. It can decrease your resistance to disease, attack organs such as your heart and brain. It can alter your responses to insulin and ultimately, alter the way your body handles sugar. Stress causes your adrenal gland to hyper secrete a hormone called Cortisol. This hormone is sometimes referred to as the stress hormone. Other hormones are produced in response to stress and in combination with Cortisol can wreak havoc throughout the body. The internal damage done to organs, such as the liver, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, gastrointestinal tract, and cardiovascular system is extensive. We all are under too much stress. We can’t get away from it. Stress is a normal part of today’s life. However, the amount and severity of the stress we suffer in today’s society, is not normal. Marital Issues/Divorce, Financial Pressures, Job or Lack of a Job, Death of a Loved One, Lack of Relaxation, Children/Elderly Parents are some causes of stress.
