Are you Staying on Track with your Health?

Can you believe the year is nearly done again? It seemed like only yesterday we were packing away the Christmas tree and here we are thinking about what to wear to this year’s work Christmas party (if we are lucky enough to have one!).

Of course, this goes along with everything else we have going on in our lives such as work and family commitments, and not to mention trying to find the time to exercise and relax.

Are you finding it hard to manage all the different parts of your life and stay on track with your health goals?

Could it be taking a toll on your health?

One of the common things I hear in clinic is “I’m not stressed”, but when I ask about some specific questions, often get responses which suggest otherwise.

If you answer yes to any of these questions, perhaps this is the case for your too:

• Are you having trouble maintaining a healthy weight?

• Do you react to some foods or experience 'IBS' like symptoms?

• Do you find it hard to switch off and relax?

• Do you often feel irritable or 'low'?

• Are you finding it hard to go to sleep at night?

We are so used to managing our busy lives and living with the effects of poor sleep, sluggish digestive systems and fatigue or irritability that we believe that this is normal.

STRESS is a word thrown around a lot isn’t it. Are you STRESSED? I feel so STRESSED…. What does it mean?

Well anything that disturbs our body’s normal function is called a stressor and that includes physical and mental disturbances. Our bodies are designed to withstand short bursts of stress and have mechanisms in place to deal with it, however long-term stress is another story. The constant demands on our day to day lives and their side-effects such as diets high in sugar and fats, environmental toxins from things like fuels, plastics and pesticides as well as constant exposure to electronic devices that disturb our normal circadian rhythms and sleep all place extra stress on our body’s capacity to function normally.

When this happens, our body increases the release of stress hormones such as cortisol, resulting in increased blood sugar levels, heart rate and blood pressure. Over time this causes systemic inflammation and can lead to chronic conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The World Health Organization lists these diseases as ‘non-communicable’ resulting from poor diet and lifestyle choices.

The end of the year is a great time to assess your current health and set some new goals. I can help you. I have the tools and resources to support you in making positive changes to your diet and lifestyle that will improve your wellbeing and your ability to cope with everything going on in your life. I can help you THRIVE rather than SURVIVE.

For an individualised health assessment CALL Larissa Jane Naturopathy on 0407 489 363 or visit larissajanenaturopathy.com

For an individualised health assessment CALL Larissa Jane Naturopathy on 0407 489 363 or visit larissajanenaturopathy.com