Stress is such a complex challenge. Of course, we’ve spoken about this a number of times before and will most probably do so in the future again. Many times we ascribe stress to merely an inability to be able to cope. However, not too many people are aware that there are stress-related deficiencies.

Stress-Related Deficiencies

These stress-related deficiencies can come in the form of vitamins, minerals, and chemicals that play essential roles in different bodily functions. The lack of them does not only have the capacity to make us more predisposed to stress. They also have the potential to aggravate episodes.

Because of this lack of awareness, we try and think ourselves out of our situations. Although the mind is ultimately in charge of our responses to stress, it is important to have the correct nutrients available in the body.

Stress and Building a House Analogy

To illustrate, I like seeing it as the mind being in charge of building a house. The different systems in the body are the artisans doing the work. Lastly, nutrients in different forms make up the building material.

Of course, if there is a shortage of one component, the building can still be built. However, yet it will not be as strong or resilient to nature as it could be. At the same time, there might be impurities in the components. This can also weaken the building. Further to that, it can also waste the time of the artisans trying to sort the good from the bad components.

For those of you who have had to build a building, you will know that slow contractors can waste time and make for a very frustrated client! In our case, this would mean that the body spends a lot of time trying to detoxify which can then lower our resilience to things like chronic stress.

Lest we veer way off course, let’s bring this home and see what the building materials are that we need in order to mitigate the effects of chronic stress. But before that, let’s talk about some stress-related deficiencies that you may not be aware of that are important when it comes to tackling the condition.

4 Stress-Related Deficiencies You May Not Know

1. Vitamin D - Low levels of vitamin D are associated with schizophrenia, depression and anxiety in the general population.
2. Magnesium - People who are under constant stress tends to excrete magnesium faster via urination. This can lead to magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency, in turn, is believed to increase our bodies' susceptibility to stress.
3. Omega 3 Fatty Acids - Studies have noted that patients diagnosed with anxiety or depression have significantly lower levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (into which Omega 3 fatty acids belong) compared to healthy subjects of the same age and sex.
4. Serotonin - Brain serotonin (5-HT) deficiency has been been linked to depression and anxiety disorders. Furthermore, it is believed to reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants on afflicted patients.

Other Nutrients that May reduce the Side-effects of Stress

Aside from the vitamins, minerals, and chemical mentioned above, there are other nutrients that can help mitigate the side effects of stress. Below are some examples.

Amino Acids

• Acetyl L-Carnitine
• Arginine
• Lysine

Lipids

• Phosphatidylserine
• DHA

Minerals

• Iron
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus

Neurotransmitters

• GABA
• 5-HTP

Vitamins

• Inositol
• Vitamin B3
• Vitamin B5
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E

Hormones play a role in stress!

We discussed the effects of, especially cortisol in a previous article.

When controlled, cortisol, adrenaline, and cortisone are manufactured and released as a result of stress and these hormones cause adaptive physiological changes to occur that allow the body to cope with stress.

Other hormones that assist with stress management

• DHEA
• Human Growth Hormone
• Melatonin
• Pregnenolone

What Can We Do About Stress-Related Deficiencies

In summary, the body needs proper nutrients and components to function properly. Without those, it can lead to excess stress. Of course, this in turn then leads to a myriad of chronic issues.

By avoiding stress-related deficiencies via supplementation, you can limit the negative effects of stress and start offering the builder the best opportunity to maintain the magnificent home that is your body!

As always, each of us is unique, so take the time to find out what your body needs.