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As hospitals throughout New York City continue to treat
victims of the worst act of terrorism in modern history, health
care professionals are bracing for a second wave of casualties
-- persons suffering from emotional and physical disorders
triggered by the stress and uncertainties the tragedy has
created.
"Witnessing sudden and irrational physical violence, experiencing
unexpected loss, and feeling other forms of physical and mental
stress produce biochemical changes within our bodies. Unless
recognized and properly addressed, these changes bring about
deterioration in our physical and emotional health," says
Dr. Udo Erasmus, a well-known Canadian author, psychologist,
and one of North America's foremost experts in the biochemistry
of human health.
Dr. Erasmus says that highly traumatic events can sometimes
trigger physical reactions such as arthritis and even heart
attacks.
"These conditions occur because of biochemical changes brought
about in the body by stress, which is also known as the "fight
or flight" response. Stress responses include: blood platelets
become more sticky and make clots more likely, blood pressure
increases, immune function is put on hold. These and other
stress reactions," says Dr. Erasmus, "can trigger many problems,
especially if the stress is not adequately dealt with by counseling
and nutritional support."
When inadequate attention is given to the increased needs
of body and mind during stress, a year or two later there
is often an increase in cancer or other immune problems.
"Witnesses to trauma find that under stress, their digestive
systems don't work as well. This is a natural reaction. They
may not feel hungry, or become less able to digest and properly
assimilate nutrients from the food they do eat. When this
natural reaction to stress is prolonged, people can become
dysfunctional: less able to deal with stress, more lethargic,
depressed," he says.
As a result, Dr. Erasmus says these people can suffer subtle
physical reactions like sore throats, diarrhea, increased
proneness to allergic reactions or to other stresses. They
can also fall victim to more serious health problems precipitated
by suppressed immune system activity brought on by the combination
of under-nutrition and excess levels of the stress hormones
adrenaline and cortisone.
Dr. Erasmus says depression, anxiety, confusion and irritability
are also common after traumatic events. These are most common
when a person feels powerless to control or change the stressful
situation.
"During crisis, the body burns up increased amounts of minerals,
vitamins, essential amino acids and essential fatty acids
-- substances that must be present for proper body and brain
function. Once essential nutrients are depleted, physical
and mental problems become more likely," says Dr. Erasmus.
"Many people get only marginally adequate amounts of some
of essential nutrients and social support to begin with, and
stress depletes them to inadequate levels, compromising mood
and mental function."
Luckily, Dr. Erasmus says it's possible for individuals
to take positive steps to reduce or eliminate many of the
mental and physical problems which often follow in the aftermath
of cataclysmic events. His recommendations are:
- Encourage people to express their feelings and their
thoughts, without judging them.
- Assist those who have been deeply affected by trauma
to maintain a regular eating schedule and not skip meals.
People involved in tragic circumstances, even as by-standers,
often forget about hunger and about food.
- Supplement the foods of those under stress or trauma with
those essential nutrients that are typically depleted by
stress. Of primary benefit in lifting depression and optimizing
mental function are the essential fatty acids. These also
help reduce risk of post-trauma anxiety and cardiovascular
problems. Vitamins C and the B complex, depleted by stress,
are necessary for brain function. Antioxidants, used up
in large amounts during stress, are especially important
for immune function and the prevention of stress-related
degenerative illnesses. Magnesium, which is rapidly lost
during stress, is required for brain, immune and insulin
function; for cardiovascular health, and for good sleep.
Digestive enzymes and friendly microorganisms help to keep
digestive functions working at times of stress.
- Involve those under stress in physical activity. Walk,
run, or work out with them. Engage them in efforts to re-build
lives and buildings. This is important for two reasons.
First, it allows the body to burn off the adrenaline and
cortisone produced by the body in reaction to life- threatening
events. When these chemicals are present but not utilized
for physical exertion they continue to create stress reactions
in the body. Chronically high levels of these stress hormones
are detrimental to health, especially to immune function.
Second, physical activity brings awareness and concentration
away from thoughts of helplessness and hopelessness, and
away from the stressful images of trauma. Mourning is also
important, but not to the exclusion of all else. For the
survivors, life must go on. It helps to have constructive
goals.
- Help those suffering from trauma to get plenty of sleep.
Physical exercise, a listening ear and a shoulder to cry
on; plus the natural, nutrient-based relaxants calcium,
magnesium, melatonin, and essential fatty acids help to
promote restful sleep.
Those wanting more information can obtain Dr. Erasmus' book,
"Fats that Heal Fats that Kill", or the free "Perfected Health
Plan" audiotape, both available by calling 800-446-2110.
About Dr. Udo Erasmus
Canadian-born author and lecturer Dr. Udo Erasmus has been
an invited guest on over six hundred radio and television
programs throughout North America, Europe, Australia and the
United Kingdom. His academic credentials include an MA in
Psychology, a PhD in Nutrition, and graduate studies in Genetics
and Biochemistry.
http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X33283270
SOURCE Dr. Udo Erasmus
CONTACT Vicki Southard, Public Relations Group, 813-447-4992
for Dr. Udo Erasmus
URL: http://www.prnewswire.com |
