Stress has been documented to be implicated in practically all diseases. Explaining this to patients requires significant care, and time, least they think they are being told their problems “are all in their head.” The mechanism whereby stress affects all organs are its negative effects on the adrenal glands, and the microbiome. Both imply that all other mechanisms are involved, such as Toxicity, Oxidation and Inflammation. The Fourth, Less than optimal Mitochondrial function, completes the “T.O.I.L.” acronym. It is also affected by stress, as predicted.[1]
Stop to ponder the implications of the above, keeping in mind that the Mitochondria is the cell organelle where FOOD is processed into ENERGY.
It means that FATIGUE, the number one reason patients see a doctor, is mostly caused by stress and poor diets. Laboratory testing looking for other factors is often unrewarding. So, stop blaming your hormones if said tests are normal. Instead, change your diet, improve gut function, and manage stress better. Supplements may address the factors noted above, including the mitochondrial issue.
- Psychological Stress and Mitochondria: A Conceptual Framework Psychosomatic Medicine. 80(2):126-140, February/March 2018.↑
