Stress can be a positive motivator or have an inflammatory negative effect on health. The amount of control over the stressful events or whether there is a goal to be achieved that we care about may be part of the difference between positive or negative effects. When stress is ongoing with little hope for change it may be more likely to have chronic negative effects. Short term projects that have some personal interest or control may lead to positive motivating stress that may feel more like a "let's get to it" attitude rather than a "oh no, not this again." 

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Emotional or physical stress and normal metabolism of everyday life all cause oxidative stress which antioxidants such as vitamin C help to detoxify. Our body also makes antioxidants with the help of proteins such as Nrf2 that stimulate production of our own supply of antioxidant chemicals.

 

Humans can't make vitamin C so it is considered an essential vitamin that we need in our daily diet for optimal health. In addition to detoxifying free radical chemicals produced during oxidative stress it also helps strengthen blood vessel walls and increases absorption of plant forms of the trace mineral iron needed for red blood cells and the prevention of anemia.

 

We need a variety of nutrients everyday including protein in order to make the Nrf2 proteins and repair blood vessel walls and other areas of the body as needed. Excess physical or emotional stress can use up more nutrients for the detoxification of oxidative stress, leaving few for the normal repair and growth of cells.

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For more information:

• The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has a service for locating a nutrition counselor near you at the website eatright.org: (eatright.org/find-an-expert)

• Cortisol — Its Role in Stress, Inflammation, and Indications for Diet Therapy, Today's Dietitian, (todaysdietitian.com).

• Nutrition, Inflammation, and Disease, Today's Dietitian, (todaysdietitian.com).

• Vitamin C for beautiful skin inside and out, (peace-is-happy.org).

• Iron and B vitamins help prevent anemia, (peace-is-happy.org).

• G3. Relaxation & Stress, (effectivecare.info).

• G1. Art & Relaxation, (effectivecare.info).

• G2. Poetry & Prose, (effectivecare.info).

• G6. Music & Movement, (effectivecare.info).

• G10. Nrf2 Promoting Foods, (effectivecare.info).

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/Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of fair use. While I am a Registered Dietitian this information is not intended to provide individual health guidance. Please see a health professional for individual health care purposes./