According to Scofield, the author of Work Site Promotion, current statistics show that between 70% and 80% of all visits to physicians are for stress-related disorders.
Chronic stress directly affects the immune system and seriously compromises health. Stress promotes the formation of free radicals and can be defined as a reaction to any stimulus that upsets normal function and disturbs mental or physical health.
During prolonged bouts of stress, the digestion system tends to be affected and many individuals experience vitamin deficiencies, especially of the B-Complex vitamins. For example, Vitamin B-6 in particular is rapidly deleted during times of stress and needs to be replenished on a regular basis. Vitamin B-6 is necessary for the syntheses of serotonin, a neurotransmitter found in the brain, and is responsible for relaxation, sleep, and concentration.
Great sources of Vitamin B-6 and B-12 rich foods include:
- Carrots
- Cereal grains
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Fish
- Liver
- Meat
- Potatoes
- Spinach
Although stress can be reduced through exercise and diet, supplementation with a high quality B-Vitamin Complex can be beneficial. An easy way to determine the quality of B- Vitamins is to look at the form of Vitamin B-12 on the supplement facts panel. The low quality form of Vitamin B-12 is called cyanacobalamin. This type of B-12 is not absorbed well, plus it actually produces cyanide that your body needs to clear out! The body can only use the highest quality forms of Vitamin B-12, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. These forms of B-12 are readily absorbed and can be put to work immediately relieving stress and combating free radical damage.
Resources:
Larry Trivieri, Jr. and John W. Anderson, Editors. InnoVision Health Media, Inc., California: Celestial Arts Berkeley 2002.
Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide Second Edition,
Wexler, Barbara. Antioxidants. Orem: Woodland Publishing, 2007.
Scofield, M. Work Site Promotion. Philadephia: Hanley & Beflus, 1990.
