Nutritional focus - Summer 2011

Welcome to the June issue and the first of a brand new year.

The subject this time round affects us all at some point in our lives but each will cope in very different ways - it is bereavement. This subject is wide as it is deep, so for this reason it will be featured in two parts, with part two featuring in the Autumn's issue. You will know whether or not this is the right time for you to learn and process the information set out here

The Effects of Grief on the Human Body

Stresses come in many forms and experiencing bereavement is a significant one. When this type of grief occurs, the brain, the nervous system and several hormones signal for the 'fight or flight' response to kick in - the very same response that occurs when you break suddenly to avoid a near collision, have a severe grilling from an irate boss or are faced, as early man was, by the likes of a fierce animal which you had to either stand up to (fight) or run away from as fast as your little legs would carry you (take flight).

Basically, while causes of our stresses in this century are massively different to those in prehistoric days, the body's response to each of them is the same. The immediate stress response to losing someone is very normal, so allow it to happen - the stress hormone content of human tears tells you that the release of emotion is so vital. However, it is the long term effects of this type of grief which is more concerning. To explain why, we need to discuss the adrenal glands.

The adrenals - Small but Powerful

Sitting just above each kidney are the tiny pyramid shaped adrenal glands which, unlike tonsils or a gallbladder, we absolutely cannot live without. These glands release the very hormones required to help our body through stressful events such as grief. Table 1 gives a summary of 'Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome'

Table 1
Phase 1: Alarm Phase Phase 2: Resistance Phase Phase 3: Exhaustion Phase
  • A source of stress signals brain cells and a nearby gland (pituitary) to instruct the adrenals to release adrenaline, noradrenaline & cortisol (stress hormones).
  • Heart rate & breathing increase. Blood & oxygen divert away from digestive function (dry mouth, loose bowels) & towards heart, brain & muscle instead.
  • Rising levels of stress hormones continue to convert stored carbohydrate (glycogen) to usable glucose for cells. You may sweat.
  • Alarm phase may last a few minutes or a few hours, after which a 'recovery phase' reflects a massive drop in stress hormones (tiredness & exhaustion).
If further stressors occur following bereavement then the adrenals enter a phase of 'resistance' to allow the body to keep fighting after the effects of the alarm phase have worn off.
  • Cortisol levels rise to help turn proteins, fats and carbohydrates into glucose for energy when liver and muscles stores have run dry.
  • Cortisol & aldosterone raise blood pressure (BP) & retain sodium to help strengthen heart contractions - high BP & water retention may develop.
  • Stimulants may be relied on more & more (sugar, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol) resulting in headaches, poor sleep.
  • If the stressor(s) continues, cortisol is released in larger amounts for longer periods of time - excessive cortisol may now impact on immune cells, eg more frequent colds/coughs
The Resistance phase may last months or many years.
  • Adrenal function has exhausted to a point of very low and inadequate cortisol.
  • Inadequate output of aldosterone results in loss of sodium resulting in cravings for salt & low BP
  • The low cortisol output hinders body's ability to turn stored carbohydrate, fat & protein into glucose resulting in low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).
  • Lack of both normal blood sugar and balance of sodium & potassium (electrolytes) slows down normal cell function - weakness, extreme fatigue, depression, slow recovery from illness/skin wounds & inability to cope with further stressors.
The Exhaustion phase may never be reached or may occur in later years

Helping Yourself

Early stages of inadequate adrenal gland function are very rarely recognised by NHS medical professionals in the UK. What is recognised is the very late (exhaustion) stages of severe adrenal insufficiency referred to as 'Addison's Disease', a condition President Kennedy suffered from.

It is well known by complimentary therapists how fast certain nutrients like B vitamins and zinc get used up/ depleted during times of stress so, in part two, the focus will be on supporting adrenal function through increases and decreases in certain foods and drinks, saliva tests for adrenal function via a registered qualified nutritional therapist plus an interesting case study example and dietary supplements for consideration.

Highly recommended reading: "Adrenal Fatigue The 21st Century Stress Syndrome" by James L Wilson

As always, Clare is contactable at ClareLS_73@hotmail.com