Brain Chemicals (Part 4)

What does the word stress mean to you? Does it only concern only mental stress? How about relationship stress? Work stress? Nutritional stress? Spiritual stress? Physical Stress? Environmental Stress? Chemical and toxin stress? The list goes on and on and mentioned above are the different layers of stress which we human are suffering day in day out. 

Unbalanced sex hormones. In PMS, especially when women are close to menopause, stress-generating-theft maybe under way. One of the vital role of progesterone is that controlling the release of the most relaxing brain chemical called GABA. In fact, progesterone literally turns on GABA. Women usually have their highest level of progesterone and GABA during the week before menstruation. 

Infection. Any signs of prolonged infection, pain, illness or injury is an adrenal stressor that cause high rise in cortisol. But if the elevation goes on for too long, it can weaken the immune system, and eventually making you more vulnerable to illness and vicious cycle of stress and de-stress. 

Intestinal intruders. Yeast or parasite overgrowth is a common contributor for adrenal burnout. Yeast and fungal overgrowth can occur due to repeated medication of anti-biotics, birth control pills, and eating a high-sugar diet and refined carbs. Parasites can be picked up during travels or from pets. It can cause bloating, itching and bowel problem which are extremely depleting to the adrenals. 

Allergens. Anything that you are allergic to is a adrenal stressor. Wheat, grass, soy, dairy products, etc. Not only soy is a common allergen, it is also known to interfere with the stress-coping hormones in the adrenals. 

Exercise. Moderate exercise is supposed to be stress-fighter. But, if you overworked it, adrenals will be burned out. If exercise makes you feels tired instead of invigorated, your adrenals are probably worn out. Marathons or cardio exercises are dangerous types of exercise. I will touch on that in a different post. 

Toxin and chemical stress. Environmental pollution via air, water, food and soil are a main threat to our society. All of us are vulnerable to the exposure of toxins which are causing harm to our adrenal health. Cosmetic products, insecticides, pesticides, mercury fillings, fluoride are some of the long lists of toxin being exposed to our daily life. 

GABA is your brain's natural Valium. Actually, valium is one of the tranquilizers that tries to mimic the natural calming effect of GABA. It is a potent mood enhancer and helps to turn off stress reactions as well. After GABA, seratonin is your brain most important anxiety buffer, and too much stress can deplete both seratonin and GABA stores.

Eating protein is crucial for keeping your blood sugar balanced and the 'brain chemicals' in shape. Most high protein food provide the wonderful combination of protein and saturated fat which neurotransmitters love. No stressful energy dips if you've eaten healthy fat with your protein  at least three times a day. You will probably need to increase your protein, if you have been restricting your fat. You could add more extra-virgin olive oil, butter, whole eggs and organic dairy products.