Daily Health Blog

At The Morrison Center, we recognize that the mind-body connection can deeply influence health and wellness. In Dr.Morrison’s latest video, he explains the relationship between stress, emotions, illness, and wellness and the role of mind-body healing in a clinical setting.

When a person has a chronic condition, such as persistent symptoms related to postpartum depression, anxiety, fatigue, or chronic pain that may not be getting better, we acknowledge that it is worth considering whether stress, emotions, or past traumas may be playing a role. The integrative physicians at The Morrison Center always consider the mind-body connection when evaluating a person’s overall health, and when healing is stalled or “blocked,” we consider the role of stress, emotions and beliefs.

Think party food and beach bodies don’t mix? Think again! Here are our 5 ways to “healthy hack” your next summer barbecue:

1. Go “protein style” with your burger

Take a note from In-N-Out’s not-so-secret-menu and go lower-carb version: wrap your beef patty or veggie patty in a large romaine or collard green leaf. Or just eat it atop veggie sides!

Everyone gets stressed out from time to time, but did you know your body can get “stuck” in a stressed-out state? It comes down to an imbalance in the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

The sympathetic nervous system is essentially the gas pedal of the body. It tells our body that there’s a (perceived) threat and we need to act accordingly. Our pulse quickens, our pupils dilate, we take in more oxygen, our adrenal glands start pumping out the “stress hormones” cortisol and adrenaline, as we prepare for a “fight or flight” response.

By contrast, our parasympathetic nervous system is akin to tapping on the breaks. It’s our “rest and digest” mode, and it’s where we want to be most of the time. Long periods of stress, both physical or emotional, can result in a dominant sympathetic nervous system, whereby the “gas pedal” overrides the “breaks,” and adrenal glands become overworked. This may manifest as exhaustion, sleep problems, anxiety, or the feeling of being “tired and wired.”

The good news is that certain herbs, along with stress management techniques, adequate rest and a healthy diet, can help rebalance and support a healthy stress response.