Hidden Stressors on the Body

What You Might Be Overlooking

When we think about stress, we often focus on sleep, mood, or the fast pace of life. While these are significant contributors to how we feel, there’s another layer of stress that’s often overlooked: our environment. The things we eat, the products we use, and even the air we breathe can play a major role in how our bodies function and feel.

Food as Medicine—or as a Stressor

The saying "you are what you eat" isn’t just a cliché. The food we consume can nourish our bodies—or quietly stress them. Many processed foods are loaded with toxins, preservatives, and inflammatory ingredients like added sugars, trans fats, and artificial additives. Over time, these substances can contribute to chronic inflammation, which has been linked to conditions like joint pain, digestive issues, fatigue, and even brain fog.

Additionally, food allergies and sensitivities—particularly delayed food allergies—can go unnoticed for years, silently contributing to chronic inflammation. Unlike immediate allergic reactions, delayed allergies can cause symptoms hours or even days after eating a trigger food, making them harder to identify.

The Skin-Deep Problem of Toxins

Our skin is our largest organ, and it absorbs much of what we put on it. From lotions to makeup, sunscreen, and even shampoo, many products contain endocrine disruptors and harmful chemicals. These substances can interfere with hormone balance, contributing to symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, or difficulty managing weight.

Beyond skincare products, everyday items like cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and even non-stick cookware can expose us to toxins that add to our body’s overall stress burden.

Allergies in Disguise

Environmental allergies, such as pollen, mold, or pet dander, are well-known culprits for respiratory symptoms like sneezing or congestion. But did you know they can also lead to chronic inflammation? Prolonged exposure to allergens, even at low levels, can contribute to fatigue, headaches, and general discomfort.

Similarly, food allergies or intolerances can cause systemic issues, such as gastrointestinal discomfort, skin irritations, or even unexplained joint pain. These reactions are often subtle and easy to dismiss, but over time, they can compound and take a toll on your body.

You Don’t Need to Change if You’re Healthy—But If You Aren’t, Start Here

If you feel great overall, your body may be doing an excellent job of managing these stressors. But if you’re dealing with unexplained symptoms or struggling to feel your best, it may be worth exploring how environmental stressors could be affecting you.

Here are some strategies to evaluate and address potential hidden stressors:

1. Evaluate for Toxins in Your Life
   Many foods and personal care products contain chemicals that can have detrimental effects on your health. While it can feel overwhelming to keep track of all the additives and toxins to avoid, a free app called Yuka can help. Simply scan the barcode of food or personal care products, and it will give you a score (1-100) based on health factors, with 100 being the healthiest.

   • The app highlights harmful additives and explains their effects, helping you make more informed choices.

   • Focus on whole foods and personal care products with fewer additives and chemicals. This simple shift can significantly reduce your body’s overall stress and inflammation.

2. Manage Processed Sugar
   High sugar intake is another common stressor. Spikes in blood sugar cause inflammation and stress on the body, often leading to a sugar crash later.

   • Opt for natural carbohydrates and sugars, avoiding added and processed sugars when possible.

   • If you do consume sugar, eat it after a meal that includes protein and fiber to help stabilize blood sugar levels.

   • Engage in 10-20 minutes of activity after meals, such as walking, to reduce blood sugar spikes and support overall health.

3. Address Allergies
   Allergies—whether environmental or food-related—can cause mild to moderate symptoms that many people simply tolerate. However, these “mild” symptoms can wear your body down over time, acting like a chronic low-grade infection that strains your immune system.

   • Treat respiratory allergies with antihistamines or allergy drops.

   • Address delayed food allergies by eliminating trigger foods from your diet or using immunotherapy, such as delayed food allergy drops.

The Bigger Picture

These individual changes might seem small, but they can add up to significant improvements in how you feel. Left unchecked, hidden stressors can lead to chronic fatigue, brain fog, increased sensitivity to pain, a weakened immune response, and trouble getting restful sleep.

By reducing the cumulative burden of toxins, processed sugars, and allergens, you’re giving your body the tools it needs to thrive. Don’t ignore these critical aspects of your health—they could be the key to unlocking a more vibrant, energetic you.