Doctor's Blog

Trauma, Stress, and Nutrition

By Team Members Of Yore, Mon Jun 20, 2016

Trauma, or even prolonged stress, wreaks havoc on our bodies in so many ways.  However, there are some easy, feel-good tips that can help support our bodies during these hard times.

During chronic stress our bodies have trouble regulating the stress hormone, cortisol.   Because cortisol has a large influence on blood sugar, we lose the ability to appropriately regulate blood sugar as well.

For some, this can result in a spike of blood sugar, and therefore a boost of energy, which is then followed by an extreme low.  For others, blood sugar is extremely low in the morning, which results in fatigue and depression.  In the evening, however, they feel more energetic and cannot easily fall asleep.

If this is you, it is so important to see a healthcare provider who can help get to the root cause of the problem.

That being said, here are some tips for home care that you can do as well.

1. Eat breakfast.  Get a boost of blood sugar in the morning to help reverse the grogginess.
2. Limit sugar, substitute protein.  Sugar gives a boost of blood sugar, but one that is too high, often followed by an extreme low.  A protein snack, on the other hand, like a handful of nuts, can help give your blood sugar a boost in a moderate amount, that lasts longer.
3. Eat small snacks spread throughout your day.  This is something that can be especially helpful with kids who are stressed and may be having meltdowns that seem unexplained.  A common cause for these fits is extremely low blood sugar.  A good rule of thumb is to eat, and have your kids eat, every two hours.
4. Try not to eat after dinner.  Allow your body to digest, and your blood sugar to slowly decrease until bedtime.

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