Signs Your Body Is Under Pressure

When your HPA axis (your stress response system) is out of balance, the signs can show up in many ways—some even seem contradictory.

Common signs include:

• Allergies (environmental, food, chemical)

• Anxiety, apathy, depression, panic attacks

• Chronic fatigue (especially mornings or after stress)

• Sleep disturbances (insomnia, waking)

• Poor concentration, memory loss

• Decreased immunity, frequent colds

• Craving salty foods

• Low blood pressure

• Hot flushes, early perimenopause/menopause

• Bone loss, muscle wasting

• Weight loss or weight around the midsection

  
  

What’s Happening in Your Body?

Your body has two key protective systems:

• Stress response (HPA axis) – your fight-or-flight system, activated during threat

• Immune system – protects against bacteria and viruses

When stress is constant, the HPA axis stays switched on, releasing stress hormones continuously.

But here’s the issue:

• These hormones block the immune system

• They also interfere with cell repair and growth

Considering your body has around 50 trillion cells constantly renewing, this disruption affects your health widely.

Hidden Stressors You Might Miss

Not all stress is obvious.

Alongside visible stress (pain, medication, poor sleep), there are stealth stressors, including:

• Environmental toxins and chemicals

• Dental amalgams

• Mould or gut bacterial overgrowth

• Food intolerances (often not obvious like allergies)

• EMFs (electromagnetic fields) and invisible radiation, such as from frequent flying

These can quietly overload your system.

Your Recharge Plan

1. Rest

• Reduce avoidable stress where possible

• Be honest about what drains your energy

• Schedule daily “me-time” (non-negotiable)

• Practice relaxation (breathing, prayer 🙏, or listening to calming music)

The fight-or-flight response is automatic and can be triggered just by

worry (justified or not), so relaxation must be a non negotiable for the sake of your health. The longer you stick to relaxation and stress reduction plan, the more you will feel the benefits and the less likely you are to burnout.

2. Sleep

Sleep is where real repair happens.

• It counteracts cortisol (stress hormone)

• Your brain is “cleaned” during sleep—removing waste, including amyloids linked to Alzheimer’s

• This process takes around 8 hours

Important:

• You cannot make up for lost sleep

• Sleeping ≤6 hours for 7 nights raises cortisol significantly and will affect your health.

When Healthy Habits Aren’t Enough

If you’re doing all the right things but still feel off, it may be time to investigate deeper:

• Gut health (microbiota imbalance, leaky gut)

• Food intolerances

• Toxic load

• Nutrient status

• Gut Permeability Issues

Long-term stress can significantly upset the balance of the gut microbiota

and damage the intestinal lining, allowing toxic waste products and partially digested

food to enter the bloodstream.

Testing from a qualified practitioner may provide insight and help tailor your recovery plan.

Reducing Your Stress Levels

A gentle hand to help you along the way can help you get out of the vicious cycle of stress.

To have a conversation to see how I could help you reduce your stress levels so you can feel less overwhelmed, energised and feeling good

Book a consultation by clicking here