When you find yourself in a difficult situation, hormones are released that up your heart rate, quicken your breathing, narrow your vision and, in general, prepare your body to clash or dash.
This process, known as the fight-or-flight response, is supposed to save your life. But it turns out that it may also be giving you cancer.
We already knew that this stress response could increase the risk for illnesses like heart disease. But research out of the University of Texas points to stress hormones directly supporting tumor growth and spread.
They do this by flipping the switch on the stress-activated protein known as focal adhesion kinase (FAK). FAK protects the detached cancer cells from dying. Allowing them to spread through your blood system finding places to re-attach and grow new tumors.
Stress could cause tumors to grow and spread
And, as you may have already guessed, the higher your stress hormones are the higher your FAK levels become and the quicker tumors can grow and spread.
So what can be done to stop the spread? Reducing the stress hormones circulating in your system is critical. You can’t rid yourself of your natural fight-or-flight response. But what you can do is manage your stress levels.
Consider adding some known stress-fighting supplements to your routine such as….
Rhodiola rosea:
This hearty herb, also known as roseroot may be able to help keep your mood on an even keel. In one 2010 study folks who had been experiencing symptoms of stress starting seeing improvement within just days of starting on a Rhodiola rosea supplement.
Ginseng:
Also known as called Panax ginseng, ginseng can help supports physical endurance and energy levels, mental clarity and your immune system.
Valerian root:
Valerian has been used in Europe for more than 100 years to treat insomnia. It’s effects are instant, but it can begin to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress within just two weeks.
Chamomile:
The chamomile plant is rich in the plant-based amino acid theanine. Theanine supports mood and helps wipe out anxiety by raising GABA levels in your brain.
Reduce stress levels and cancer risk with breathing
And as simplistic as it may sound the tried-and-true stress reducers like massage, yoga, acupuncture, and mild exercise do work.
One study showed that deep breathing exercises, like the ancient practice of Ki Kou, can cut your anxiety symptoms in half.
This video demonstrates three super simple and effective breathing exercises that reduce stress to get you started…
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Enough sleep is important in reducing stress, also.
Anonymous (1),
Excellent point. Many tend to overlook the importance of sleep. Recent studies have even shown that even just one sleepless night can up your insulin resistance.
Thanks for your comment!
It is true that relaxation is key to allow the knots in the chi to flow out, and various herbs are sufficient to that end but it should also be (I think) acknowledged that a glass of wine, a shot of whiskey, or even a half tab of Tramadol will put a body on target quick enough if extra muscle is needed. I think this is especially so if the tension runs too high from an organic source like adrenocortical hypertrophy.
So happy to be so relaxed using your techniques, thank you,
Blanaid