Q: What type of testing is available for stress, and what treatments are available?

A: There are clinical tests, lab tests and physical examinations, which will help physicians determine whether stress is seriously affecting a patient’s health. Unfortunately, there are many who do not recognize a spectrum of fatigue, but instead wait for a more classic disease such as Addison’s disease to occur. The subtle increments in poor health, or progressing disease, are often ignored.

Making an attempt to alter one’s typical reaction to a stressful situation will be rewarded in dodging the side effects. Seeing a comedy, getting a massage, visiting old friends will help to change a pattern that is not providing rest or respite.

Another very important aspect of dealing with stress is diet. The tendency during stress is to eat larger amounts of sugar, salt and caffeine. While in the short run this will drive the adrenal, or our stress glands, it will often cause more problems. Sea salt is useful, as well as good quality proteins, nuts and vegetables to give the adrenal glands the support they need.

The adrenal glands actually have the highest tissue levels of vitamin C in the body, so taking 2,000 to 4,000 mg of vitamin C a day for two weeks is a worthwhile trial to see if the adrenals can be helped to return to normal functioning.

Trace elements and magnesium have also been found to improve our ability to handle stress. There are many herbs that can help the stress response of the body, but one should consult a knowledgeable person about those.

login to post comments