|
See also Anxiety; Depression.
Any physical, mental, or emotional stimulus that upsets the
natural balance of the body is referred to as stress. We encounter
stressful situations on a daily basis. Some causes are obvious,
such as the breakup of an important relationship, illness
of a loved one, pressures at work, or mounting bills. Other,
less obvious stressors may come from sitting in traffic, waiting
in long lines at the bank or grocery store, or being stuck
in the middle of a crowded or noisy environment. Anxiety over
upcoming events, such as the birth of a new baby, the start
of a new job, or an impending speech can cause stress.
Emotional stress, which can result in fatigue, headache,
insomnia, high blood pressure, irritability, and gastrointestinal
disorders, can lead to other, more serious illnesses, such
as cardiovascular disease, cancer, back problems, and infections.
Stress is also a possible cause of depression. Stress typically
affects those parts of the body related to the nervous system—especially
the gastrointestinal tract.
Stress causes an increase in adrenaline, which triggers a
release of stored sugar (energy) from your liver. In response
to this rush of adrenaline, blood is diverted from your intestines
to your muscles, which causes a dramatic slowdown of your
digestive processes. Chronic stress causes a constant digestive
slowdown, which compromises the health of your friendly bacteria.
If this pattern continues over a long period of time, the
most obvious effects occur in the large intestine. The colon
can suffer actual damage to its inner surface lining. Swelling,
inflammation, and even some localized miniature hemorrhages
can occur. Depending on which bacteria are present in the
damaged region and which dietary substances are passing through,
a variety of toxic substances can build up. Some of these
toxins can migrate through the damaged intestinal lining into
your bloodstream, with serious consequences.
Anyone with chronic bowel dysfunction should make every effort
to cut down on the stress in their lives, or, better yet,
try to modify their reaction to it. Stress-reducing methods
that work include breathing and relaxation techniques, meditation,
and visualization.
In sufficient strength, the friendly lactobacteria can indirectly
help in alleviating stress. During fermentation, lactobacilli
release essential amino acids, including tryptophan. Tryptophan
produces seratonin—a calming neurotransmitter. Tryptophan
is found in milk, which is why drinking a glass of warm milk
is a traditional cure for insomnia. Cultured milk products
like real yogurt, contain even more tryptophan, and high-quality
lactobacteria supplements contain the most.
While there is no hard evidence that lactobacilli directly
alleviates stress, its release of tryptophan may indirectly
help to encourage a relaxing, calming state. Taking supplemental
lactobacteria appears to be a step in the right direction.
RECOMMENDED PROBIOTIC REGIMEN
Take 1 capsule each of L. acidophilus and B. bifidum (or 1/2 teaspoon powder), along with 1/2 teaspoon L. bulgaricus powder mixed in 6 to 8 ounces
unchilled filtered water, two times daily. May be increased
to 2 capsules L acidophilus and B. bifidum (or
1 teaspoon powder), and 1 teaspoon L. bulgaricus powder, three
times daily.
Instead of the above regimen, take 1 or 2 combination capsules
that contain all three super strains in an oil-matrix carrier,
once a day.
For times when under stress, and experiencing "butterflies" (or worse) in your stomach, mix 1/2 teaspoon each of L. acidophilus, B. bifidum, and L. bulgaricus
powders together in 6 to 8 ounces unchilled filtered water,
and sip it slowly through a straw. This will have a calming
effect.
|
