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STRESS COULD BE CAUSING YOUR DIABETES

By: Brigitte Synesael


All through time stress has played a role in our lives. The challenged economic environment that we live in today is a perfect recipe for stress overload in many individuals. When faced with stressful situations, the body produces an increased amount of cortisol and epinephrine. This influx of hormones affects a number of other facets in our body that are geared to maintaining optimum health. It is becoming more evident that if stress is not dealt with properly, it manifests itself into a number of common disorders.

Aside from the obvious psychological turmoil, unmanaged stress is believed to be a contributing factor in other health issues such as asthma, migraines, depression, arthritis, diabetes, ulcers, heart disease, and even digestive problems. Recurring attacks of genital herpes may even be the result of stress overload. Relaxation Therapy can offer some effective techniques in learning to manage stress. Simple strategies can be learned through self help books or in a Relaxation Therapy class. They could be as simple as sitting for 15 minutes in a reclining chair with closed eyes while you repeat the word "one" silently each time you exhale.

A more active technique consists of focusing on one specific area of the body, tensing all the muscles in that area, then relaxing them. Usually this is started in the head, then you move down to each other body part until and including the feet. Controlled breathing is emphasized in most relaxation techniques. You may decide to opt for a more sophisticated version of progressive relaxation or formalized transcendental meditation. It is important to get proper instruction through a class, a book, or a professional to prevent hyperventilation which may complicate the anxiety or stress. Thirty minutes of vigorous, aerobic exercise completed three or more times per week is helpful in controlling stress. Side benefits of this include maintaining weight control, cardiovascular fitness, and diabetes control.

Sources
Columbia University - The Fundamentals of GoodHealth 
The Canadian Medical Association Home Medical Encyclopedia


Bio:  

Brigitte Synesael founded Your Life-Your Choice in 1997, and is now recognized as an authority on Alternative Medicine Information. Her associations with governing agencies and certified practitioners ensure well researched, quality information. Her free newsletter, found at http://www.Life-Choices.com is an excellent resource for various types of treatments. 

Her latest release "You've Got Nothing To Lose But POUNDS!" was inspired by her outrage at society taking advantage of a frustrated, overweight population. It is always assumed that overweight people eat too much, and in many cases, that is simply NOT TRUE. This well researched book gives you more than 10 factors in your life that could be responsible for your weight problem besides overeating. This book is available at http://www.diets-dont-work.com 

Brigitte Synesael may be contacted at
yourlife@life-choices.com 

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