Stress prevention: Daily habits can stop one of the UK's biggest KILLERS, experts say
IN OUR increasingly busy society, stress has been accepted as an inevitable part of everyday life.
It can be triggered by a looming deadline, an unexpected expense or simply leaving the house on time every morning.
Whatever the cause, stress can be an extremely debilitating physical state and has been linked to severe health concerns, including heart disease and cancer.
In the short term, stress can also disturb the balance of our gut flora, which is a mixture of harmless, beneficial and potentially harmful organisms.
Include some form of relaxation in your daily routine such as yoga, meditation, breathing exercises or walking..
Healthy gut flora balance is necessary to support effective digestive and immune systems, according Nutritional Therapist from Bio-Kult Natalie Lamb.
She said: "It also protects the gut lining and avoids unwanted symptoms such as bloating, flatulence constipation or loose stools.
"There seems to be a huge link between the gut and the brain and it is now believed that a more balanced gut flora helps provide greater resilience to stress."
Below the health expert shares simple daily habits to help combat the impact of stress.
Take the time
Between work tasks and family duties, finding time just for yourself can seem impossible. But it may actually make you more productive in the long run, advises Natalie.
She said: "Give yourself regular breaks. Whether to make a herbal tea, to leave your desk at lunch time for some fresh air or to take a deep breath and stop the mind, these will help to support a clearer calmer focus.
"Include some form of relaxation in your daily routine such as yoga, meditation, breathing exercises or walking.."
Feed your nervous system properly
We know certain foods can wreak havoc with our adrenalin levels, yet many of us still have them on a daily basis.
Natalie advised: "Reduce the intake of stimulating simple sugars, refined carbohydrates, caffeine or alcohol that could destabilise blood sugar levels.
"Opt instead for a natural wholefood diet high in a variety of colourful vegetables, pasture fed meat, fish and eggs.
Help yourself where possible
Take steps to keep your gut flora balanced could be extremely beneficial for your stress levels in the long term, advises Natalie.
She said: "Taking a daily multi-strain (like Bio-Kult) probiotic could help to keep the gut bacteria nice and balanced and to support a healthy stress
response.
"(Also) try to be realistic with your time management by giving yourself more time than you need to complete a task, don't take on too much or be afraid
to say 'no'."