The Effects of Stress

This study will look primarily at the Physical effects of Stress, but from a Holistic (Whole) perspective, the Physical cannot be isolated from the Mental, Emotional and Spiritual domains.

Areas primarily impacted by Stress include: the Autonomic Nervous system, Endocrine System, Digestive and Detox systems and Immunity Symptoms directly associated with Stress include: feeling chronic fatigue, inability to concentrate, unusual irritability, immune suppression (frequent illnesses), abdominal pain, irregularity, accelerated aging, functional decline, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, inflammatory arthritis, type 2 diabetes, cancer and poor neurological responses.

The state of ‘Sympathetic On’ describes a state of chronic Stress response symptoms. The ‘panic button’ is stuck ‘on’. This is when all body systems are prepared for ‘fight or flight’. Circulation withdraws from the periphery to support the main organs and large muscles. (This is why cold hands and feet are associated with chronic Stress). Digestion halts and cell repair stops. These changes have a temporary survival benefit, but can be deadly in a chronic state, leading to degenerative changes in the body. The problem here for people in a modern civilized world is that we are still living in Stone Age bodies which make no distinction between actual life-threatening situation and merely psychological perceptions of Stress. As far as your body is concerned, or ‘programmed’, being late for work is as Stressful as being chased by a saber toothed tiger!

The further implication of ‘sympathetic-on’ is of course that the parasympathetic system and it’s essential functions are at the same time turned ‘off’.

When we are relaxed, the Parasympathetic division of the ANS regulates digestion, immune stimulation, normal cell metabolism, body organ and cell repair (which happens mostly during sleep), and optimal respiratory function as well as emotional expression including sexual feelings.

Stress and the Pituitary

The Pituitary produces ACTH activating the Adrenals for ‘fight or flight’ Growth Hormone, melatonin production, hypothalamus functions (all regulatory systems) are inhibited during Stress. This can cause a temporary hyper Thyroid state, ultimately leading to a chronic hypo Thyroid condition.

Stress and the Adrenals

ACTH stimulates the release of both inflammatory (Aldosterone) and anti-inflammatory (Cortisone) hormones. Inflammatory results can include heart

disease, neural stress and stroke. Anti inflammatory results include cellular sodium retention and potassium loss, concurrent poor cell metabolism, acid Ph and cardiac pressure (tamponade)

Adrenals are further stressed by refined sugar and caffeine. A behavioral clue to ‘burned out’ adrenals is the ‘nervous wreck’ type; the one in the group who ‘jumps’ when a door slams. They are often exhausted and have chronic mid back pain. This requires immediate stress reduction, diet and lifestyle change and nutritional support.

Stress and the Thyroid

A pituitary imbalance can create a hyper or hypo Thyroid state. The Thyroid can be stressed in attempting to compensate for weak Adrenals. A low Thyroid is often accompanied by an ‘over-giving’ imbalance, ie: “I give, give, give, but when is my turn?” This happens when we forget to give to ourselves, or forget that receiving is the same as giving. A low Thyroid implies a sluggish body metabolism which can lead to weight gain, constipation and lethargy.

Stress and the Pancreas

Adrenal Stress creates a rise in blood sugar levels (energy for ‘fight or flight’). The pancreas responds to this with an increased insulin output. Chronic high blood insulin contributes to arterial damage, ‘syndrome X’, diabetes and obesity. The inhibition of the pancreas’ production of Bicarb of Soda is a prime factor in causing chronic Acidosis.

Stress and Cortisol

The causal chain is: Stress – Pituitary over stimulation – ACTH production – Adrenal over stimulation – Cortisol release. With chronic Stress and over production of Cortisol we see abdominal weight gain, accelerated aging and cessation of normal self-healing.

Stress and Digestion

Digestion is a Parasympathetic function. You must be relaxed for normal digestion to occur…so what’s with ‘fast food’? When digestion halts due to Stress, we experience gas, bloating, malabsorption, fermentation and pathogen proliferation. All GI conditions will be exacerbated by Cortisol release.

Stress and the Liver

Under Stress, the livers many detox and regulation functions are inhibited. An increase in the demand for Hormones (due to Pituitary and Adrenal stress) puts a demand on the Liver to produce more cholesterol. The liver can be stressed by feelings of unexpressed anger.

Stress and the Kidneys

Stress related constriction of blood vessels can contribute to high blood pressure and potential kidney damage. Chronic acidosis and concurrent leaching of buffering minerals from the bone (contributing to osteoporosis) can lead to calcification, or ‘stones’ in the kidney. Kidney function is suppressed by Fear, and can be tied to chronic knee conditions (ie: fear of going forward in Life)

Stress and Cell Metabolism

Tissue acidity (pancreas suppression) creates oxidative stress. Oxygen, normally healthy and needed, can become a destructive Free Radical in an acid terrain and contribute to chronic inflammation. EMF and oxidative Stress can disturb the normal ‘left spin’ of the Mitochondria, starting the Cell on the road to degeneration.

Left Spin and Negative North Magnetics

Philpott proved a Negative North magnetic field corrects Left Spin in the mitochondria. Cancer cells revert to healthy. Everything we do with the EPFX technology is delivered in a Negative North polarity.

Stress and Mental Health

Neurotransmitter exhaustion, poor digestion and food sensitivities are major causes of ‘mental illness’. A weakened bioelectric field implies weak mental, emotional and spiritual bodies, vulnerable to negative influences and frequencies. Under Chronic Stress, especially in the ‘Exhaustion Phase’, genetic and constitutional weaknesses are more likely to surface and manifest.

Mental and Emotional Stress

Standard ‘Stress Tests’ assume the Stress is in the Stressor and is experienced as the same by everyone. This misunderstanding belies the essentially subjective, or inner, nature of Stress. Two people exposed to the same Stressor will react entirely differently, according to their own interpretation and perception of the Stressor. Re-interpreting our conditioned responses and self beliefs can dramatically reduce Stress. The Relaxation Response, or parasympathetic response, can be learned.

The ‘Programmable’ body/mind

Just as Stress can create a set of chronic Stress symptoms through conditioned repetition, you can teach the body and mind to be ‘chronically de-stressed’ through learning and repetition of stress reduction techniques including diaphragmatic breathing, meditation, visualization and prayer.

Motivation is the key factor to Lifestyle Changes

Commit to small changes at first. Spend a certain amount of time daily in self-care: meditation, exercise, study, etc.  Create this habit – it is the road to health.  Your Health is Your Wealth.