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Stress: A Pandemic that is Killing People

Do you wake up feeling tired even after sleeping well? Do you suddenly hit a mid-afternoon wall that makes you want to take a nap? Do you rely on coffee to kick-start your morning? Have you gone to your doctor complaining of exhaustion, only to be told that you are fine? How’s your stress level?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should read on. While it’s normal to occasionally feel tired or sluggish, especially after a busy week, it should not be your norm. If you regularly lack energy, you may have a problem with your cortisol production.

The real pandemic

You can’t turn on the news, walk into the grocery store, or even take a stroll in the neighborhood without hearing about the pandemic. Equipped with masks and social distancing rules, most of society now lives in a constant state of fear.

While the coronavirus has taken center stage worldwide, many serious health problems are being overshadowed. One could argue that the real pandemic — the one that is killing more people than ever — is stress. 

Three-quarters of Americans reported moderate to high-stress levels within the last month. And while the phrase “I’m stressed out” seems benign, stress quite literally kills. One study concluded that 8 million deaths each year are attributable to mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. 

Cortisol: the stress hormone

Our perfectly-made bodies are equipped with a mechanism to combat life’s inevitable stress. Whether facing a looming working deadline, dealing with a difficult family member, or simply sitting in traffic, there is a well-orchestrated system ready to help us combat stress. 

As our body perceives a stressful situation, it triggers a cascade of biological events. First, the hypothalamus in the brain sends a message to the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland, in turn, alerts the two small glands that rest above the kidneys to get to work. These adrenal glands respond to the potential threat by releasing cortisol. 

Also known as the “stress hormone,” cortisol serves many vital functions in the body. For example, cortisol helps control blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, regulate blood pressure, and manage metabolism. 

Understanding cortisol levels

According to the body’s internal 24-hour clock, cortisol levels naturally rise and fall. For example, cortisol levels reach their lowest levels around midnight and steadily rise as morning approaches. In most people, cortisol peaks in the mid-morning. The cycle repeats itself daily. 

Various factors such as irregular sleep patterns, physical illness, certain medications, and stress can disrupt cortisol. Additionally, everyone manages stress differently. As a result, one person might secrete cortisol in a situation that another would not. 

The amount of cortisol produced by the body is tightly regulated. While the short-term release of cortisol is essential and even life-saving, long-term elevations can lead to health problems. At the same time, lower than normal cortisol levels negatively impact health. 

Cortisol is measured via blood, urine, or saliva. Ideally, cortisol is tested multiple times throughout the day. This way, doctors can evaluate an accurate picture of the ebbs and flows of cortisol. 

What happens to the body when cortisol is released?

Nearly every cell of the body has cortisol receptors. Therefore, its impacts are far-reaching. 

During a fight-or-flight situation, the body prepares for the impending danger. Elevated cortisol triggers the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream, supplying the body with the energy it may need to handle the situation. At the same time, cortisol tells the pancreas to stop producing insulin so that the glucose will remain available. 

Additionally, cortisol narrows the arteries, working with other hormones to increase heart rate and blood pressure. During stress, cortisol also inhibits other non-essential processes such as digestion. 

Adrenal dysfunction = body fatigue 

Organs have demanding jobs, and when overworked, they can get tired. For example, individuals who eat a poor diet filled with sugar and carbohydrates sometimes develop type 2 diabetes. It’s as though the pancreas throws up the white flag, declaring, “I’m out of insulin. I can’t work any harder.” The same may be true for the adrenals.

Health practitioners are beginning to discover that the adrenal glands may have a finite ability to produce cortisol. As a result, the term “adrenal fatigue” refers to individuals who experience symptoms such as low energy, exhaustion, anxiety, sleep, and digestive issues. 

Many mainstream medical doctors and a few scientific studies refute the idea that the adrenal glands burn out over time. Although adrenal fatigue may not be a recognized diagnosis by all physicians, the symptoms an individual faces after prolonged stress are indeed real. 

When the adrenals are not producing sufficient cortisol, individuals may feel exhausted, dizzy, and weak. Additionally, they might experience weight loss and mood changes. 

The cortisol-cholesterol relationship

As with all steroid hormones, cortisol is synthesized naturally in the body from cholesterol. Since cholesterol is a precursor of cortisol, cholesterol-lowering medications may negatively impact the production of cortisol. In fact, studies have found that individuals taking statin drugs often experience significant mood and behavioral changes, including anxiety, depression, and irritability. So it’s entirely possible that lowering cholesterol, and thus cortisol, makes stress more challenging to handle. 

There’s another interesting relationship between cortisol and cholesterol. Excess cortisol causes high blood glucose levels, leading to diabetes and high cholesterol. The body converts unused sugars in the blood into triglycerides, translating to added weight. Studies have found a relationship between cortisol and cholesterol, especially in individuals with coronary artery disease. 

Lifestyle choices and cortisol

Beyond psychological stress, physical stress has a significant impact on cortisol levels. Physical stress includes poor diet, lack of quality sleep, and exposure to toxins, all of which deplete the body’s ability to keep cortisol regulated. 

Many people turn to food during times of stress. But, while reaching for a candy bar or a bag of potato chips may feel good at the moment, the long-term consequences are dire. Studies have found that diets high in added sugar and refined grains lead to higher cortisol levels than a healthy, whole food diet. 

Unhealthy diets also contribute to a diminished gut biome. The gut microbiome contains trillions of organisms that live in the digestive tract. These organisms work symbiotically to support health. Science is beginning to uncover how cortisol helps the gut and brain communicate. 

Exposure to environmental toxins such as cleaning products, chemicals, and pollution all impact cortisol. A recent study found that blood cortisol levels rise with exposure to dirty air. Equally concerning, exposure to polluted air leads to higher blood pressure and insulin resistance, both of which increase the risk of heart disease. Minimizing exposure to unhealthy chemicals and prioritizing clean air goes a long way in reducing cortisol levels. 

Balancing cortisol 

The key to improving energy and bringing a sense of peace back into life involves balancing cortisol levels. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, there are some basic things you can do to ensure your body has all the tools it needs to produce the right amount of this critical hormone, including: 

Next Steps

It’s easy to blame exhaustion or lack of energy on the aging process. However, can live full and vibrant lives until the end. Chronic fatigue is your body’s way of alerting you that something is out of balance. Pay attention to your body and heed its warning. Then, you will see how quickly you regain that youthful feeling. 

If you are greatly affected by stressors and need a little extra support, our Relax — Cherry supplement powder could be just what you need to promote stress resiliency and create a calm, balanced emotional state.

Eat Well · Live Well · Think Well 


Medical Review 2022: Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD

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About Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD, FACC

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Dr. Lauren Lattanza Fees

20 Minute Virtual Call: $250

Initial In-Person Appointment:

Follow Up In-Person Appointment:       

As a Naturopathic Physician, I am trained to treat the whole person and get to the root cause of disease.

I went to Arizona State University where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a depth in physiology and minor in Spanish. After my undergraduate degree I was working on prerequisite classes towards medical school, which is when I came to learn that my values identified best with the principles of naturopathic medicine. I knew that I wanted to help patients identify the causes of disease and be able to offer treatments which would improve their health rather than simply treating symptoms.

I dedicated the next 4 years to the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona where I attained my Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. I served as Class President all 4 years, Board of Trustees – Student Trustee, spoke as the Club President for our branch of Toastmasters, and was voted by my peers and attending physicians to earn the Outstanding Leadership Award for the Class of 2020. Throughout medical school I took it upon myself to work alongside MDs, DOs, chiropractors, and functional medicine practitioners in addition to naturopathic physicians.

As a Spanish speaking student, I was able to volunteer with community clinics around Phoenix and provide free healthcare to low-income families. Due to this combined exposure, I came to find my passion in treating cardiometabolic and digestive disorders that are all too common, yet largely preventable. I took the opportunity to learn the broad spectrum of healthcare so I can ensure that I am able to provide my patients with the best options.

About Dr. Jack Wolfson DO, FACC

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Dr. Jack Wolfson Fees

30 Minute Virtual Call: $1500

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Dr. Jack Wolfson is a board-certified cardiologist, Amazon best-selling author, husband, father, and the nation’s #1 Natural Heart Doctor.

For more than two decades, more than one million people have enjoyed the warmth, compassion, and transformational power of his natural heart health courses and events.

Dr. Wolfson is the founder of Natural Heart Doctor Scottsdale, his heart health practice in Arizona, and Natural Heart Doctor, an online resource center with natural health information. Doctors from across the globe reach out to Dr. Wolfson for training and education in holistic health practices.

He has been named one of America’s Top Functional Medicine Doctors and is a five-time winner of the Natural Choice Awards as a holistic M.D. Dr. Wolfson’s work has been covered by more than 100 media outlets, including NBC, CNN, and the Washington Post. His book “The Paleo Cardiologist: The Natural Way to Heart Health” was an Amazon #1 best-seller.

Dr. Wolfson and his wife Heather have four children and are committed to making the world a better place to live. They provide for those in need (including animals) and support natural health causes through their philanthropic efforts.

Chiropractic

Our chiropractor is an expert at adjustments and holistic chiropractic care and works closely in conjunction with the other health care experts at Natural Heart Doctor.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

IV Therapy

We use specially formulated natural vitamins and minerals that are injected into a vein to prevent or treat dehydration. Ideal for people in Arizona.

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Stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being with acupuncture at Natural Heart Doctor.

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Health Coaching

Our health coaches use evidence based skillful conversation, clinical interventions, and strategies to engage you actively and safely in health behavior changes.

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We use the most advanced testing in the world to assess heart health and to identify the root cause of your health issues.

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Office Visits

Schedule an office visit with one of our cardiologists, holistic physicians, chiropractor, or health coaches.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I’d like to receive an online second opinion from Natural Heart Doctor. What do I do next?

You can initiate a second opinion online through our website at any time. To begin, select the team member you’d like to speak with and open an account.

Click here for cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Lauren Lattanza. Get details.

Click here for  Natural Heart Doctor Health Coach.

Alternatively, you can email health@naturalheartdoctor.com. A member of our care team will help guide you through the process of starting a second opinion.

What is the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

The cost for most second opinions varies by team member. This fee includes information collection, a phone or video consultation, a second opinion from a Natural Heart Doctor specialist and guidance throughout the process from your personal Care Team at Natural Heart Doctor.

Cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson’s Second Opinion Fee is $1500.

Holistic Physician’s Dr. Lauren Lattanza’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Note: We apply the Online Second Opinion Call fee as a credit to any future consultations with Natural Heart Doctor, should you choose them.

Will my insurance cover the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

Most likely, no. Most health plans do not cover online second opinions or consultations. You are responsible for the cost of our second opinion. Natural Heart Doctor cannot file a claim with your insurance carrier, nor can we provide a procedure (CPT) code for this service.

What is the timeline to receive an online second opinion?

We do our best to schedule your second opinion as quickly as possible. Typically, it takes 5 to 7 business days after your information has been collected to receive your phone or video online second opinion.

What information do you need in advance of our call?

Our office will send you a short questionnaire to complete and return. We DO NOT need your complete medical records.

How many questions can I ask the expert during our call?

You may ask a maximum of five questions. This is to ensure that the expert has sufficient time to devote to each question. All questions must be finalized before your online meeting.

What should I expect to receive once my second opinion is complete?

You will receive a summary of our discussion along with our second opinion. The second opinion will be in written form. After you have reviewed the second opinion, a Natural Heart Doctor clinician will follow up with you by phone to address general medical questions about the information provided in the second opinion.

What if I have follow-up questions for the expert after I have reviewed my second opinion?

If you have a clarifying question about an expert’s response to one of the questions in your second opinion, and the Natural Heart Doctor clinician is unable to address it, then you may request a follow up session for an additional fee. 

Is my medical and payment information secure?

Natural Heart Doctor is strongly committed to protecting the privacy and security of all our patients. Our website meets all federal requirements for protecting personal health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All financial transactions are processed by Natural Heart Doctor securely using industry standard payment processing tools.

I would rather visit Natural Heart Doctor for an in-person appointment. What should I do next?

If you would prefer an in-person appointment at Natural Heart Doctor instead of an online second opinion, please call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Can I schedule a follow up appointment with the specialist who provided my online second opinion?

Yes, we’re happy to help you on an extended basis. Our clinician can discuss options with you when presenting our second opinion summary.