Unwrapping Genetic Responses: Navigating Stress During The Holidays

Dr. Tamar: 1:14

Holidays are a time of joy, but they can also spike our stress levels to unimaginable heights. By better understanding our genetic response to stressors, we can navigate these high tide times with patience and grace. So if you're feeling overwhelmed as the holiday season takes off, don't worry. Stick with us to identify some effective strategies to manage holiday stress in harmony with your genetics. Welcome to Pivoting Pharmacy with Nutrigenomics. Part of the Pharmacy Podcast Network, a must-have resource for pharmacist entrepreneurs seeking to enhance patient care while enjoying career and life. Join us as we pivot into Nutrigenomics, using pharmacy and nutrition for true patient-focused care. Explore how to improve chronic conditions rather than just manage them. Celebrate entrepreneurial triumphs and receive priceless advice. Align your values with a career that profoundly impacts patients. Together, we'll raise the script on health and pivot into a brighter future. Before you listen in, I want to thank our listener of the week, lh Scott, who says great info. These podcasts provide great information to help you understand medication, genetics and weight loss. Lh Scott, thank you for tuning in, for learning with us and for taking the time to share these kind words. My team and I truly appreciate it and we look forward to continuing this journey with you. So for you listening out there and remember when you leave us a five-star review, you'll get the chance to be featured as our next listener of the week and I'll give you a shout out right here on the show. Hello, hello and welcome to episode 16 of Pivoting Pharmacy with Nutrigenomics. I'm Dr Tamar Lawful , Doctor of Pharmacy and Certified Nutritional Genomics Specialist. You know we are in holiday season. Hanukkah ended last week, Christmas is three days away and Kwanzaa starts in four days. Whichever holiday you celebrate, I'm sure you feel that tingle of excitement and joy. The twinkling lights, the sweet smell of freshly baked cookies, the warmth of being surrounded by loved ones all contribute to that magical feeling. But it even amidst these joyous moments, stress often creeps in and unexpectedly takes center stage. You may start feeling the pressure of finding the perfect gifts for everyone, planning elaborate meals, making sure the house is immaculately decorated, all while juggling work commitments and daily tasks, coupled with managing holiday budgets and navigating your family dynamics. The holiday season can present a significant source of stress. This tension is exacerbated by the societal expectation that the holidays are supposed to be an all joy, no stress time. We're led to believe that everything should be perfect, that we should be bustling with endless energy in holiday chair. In reality, it is normal for stress levels to escalate during this period, but an important question arises how does this stress affect us at a genetic level and, more importantly, how can understanding our genetic responses to stress help us navigate the holiday season more tranquilly and healthfully? That's what we're going to explore in this episode. So if you're feeling overwhelmed as the holiday season takes off, relax as we unwrap genetic responses and identify effective strategies to manage holiday stress in harmony with your genetics. We all fall into the trap of thinking that stress is an unavoidable part of the holiday season and we have no control over it. It's a notion that's ingrained in us due to social conditioning and our personal experiences, right. However, it's important to remember that chronic stress can wreak havoc on your health and well-being. I want to know how do you handle stress? Are you perhaps making an attempt to eat away stress or, conversely, starve it out? Our quick, fixed strategies, although providing temporary relief, often worsen the situation because they are typically neither helpful nor manageable in the long run. The underlying belief here is that we have no control over our body's responses to stress. When we don't address stress properly, we put ourselves at risk of developing conditions like anxiety, depression, digestible stress and stress. We are not going to be able to address stress, anxiety, depression, digestive problems, headaches, no-transcript. But what if I told you that it doesn't have to be this way? By understanding our individual genetic responses to stress, we can develop better, more effective coping mechanisms. By customizing our response, we not only handle stress better, but also improve our overall health and well-being. Specific genetic variations can influence the way we perceive and react to stress, potentially modulating the effects of stress on overall health. These genetic vulnerabilities can influence responses to the external environment, shape motivated behavior and have an impact on health throughout our life. For instance, people with the variant SNP-RS4680 the COMT gene, the Catechol-O -methyl transferase gene, often struggle with stress and anxiety. Understanding this, they can take a proactive approach by adopting diet and lifestyle changes that suit their genetics rather than a one-size-fits-all approach is an enzyme that plays a role in the breakdown of certain neurotransmitters, in particular dopamine, whose imbalances are associated with phenomena like mood disorders, stress and anxiety. This variant SNP-RS4680 in the Compt gene causes the Compt enzyme to function at a slower pace, which leads to higher dopamine levels, more so in a prefrontal cortex, which could lead to increased anxiety and stress responses. However, it's important to note that these genetic tendencies interact with a multitude of other factors, like environment or lifestyle, to define the individual's response to stress and anxiety. Another example is a variation in the FKBP5 gene which can impact how an individual responds to stress. The FKBP5 gene plays a critical role in the immune system regulation and the functioning of corticoid receptors, including progesterone, glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors. Certain alterations in this gene can lead to reduced production of cortisol and a predisposition to depression, particularly after experiencing a significant life trauma. So how can you manage stress when you have a heightened response to stress due to your genetics? First, we definitely want to eat healthy, exercise regularly and get enough sleep. I can't stress how important those three things are eating healthy exercise regularly and getting enough sleep. Second, you can try relaxation exercises like yoga and deep breathing massage or meditation on a regular basis. And third, journal writing to express your thoughts and gratitude. We need to focus on a positive and recognize that there is so much that we have to be thankful for. Fourth, engage in hobbies like reading or listening to music anything that you like and you find enjoyment from. It's important to make those hobbies part of your life on a regular basis. Fifth, foster healthy relationships and friendships and communicate with loved ones. They're here to support you. And sixth, cultivate a sense of humor in your life. Go to a comedy show, talk on Netflix and binge watch some comedy series. Bring back humor in your life and then we can volunteer. You can volunteer for the community, give back to others and, finally, seek professional counseling if needed. By understanding our genetic predispositions, we can be empowered and prepared to build a healthier, more resilient response to stress. Now, with that being said, we may still struggle through the holiday season In our pursuit of personal growth, optimal health and help in others. It's crucial to recognize that we're not alone in facing challenges. This journey can often take us through ups and downs that might temporarily clatter a sense of direction and well-being. But remember, my friend, these moments don't define you. When the skies may seem dark and confusing, know that it's okay to reach out for a helping hand If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or mental illness. Don't hesitate to take the first crucial step by connecting with an empathetic ear through helplines such as the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. Professionals trained in listening, guiding and supporting you in your path to mental well-being are available 24-7 at no cost to help you through your trying times. That's all I have for you, friend. Are you ready to shift from a stress-filled holiday season to a truly joyful one? Let me know when you connect with me on LinkedIn at Dr Tamara Lawful, if any part of this conversation about stress management sparked interest or resonated with you. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Your five-star review and comments can guide others on a similar journey. Subscribe, rate and download this episode to ensure you're always in the loop. Coming up next week on the show, we're talking about the potential to revolutionize the future of pharmacy with genomics and cannabis. Yep, that's right. This deep dive will allow you to reimagine healthcare, empower your patients and thrive in your practice without being confined by the traditional pharmacy box. So tune in next Friday and, until then, always remember in your journey as a healthcare professional, always raise the scripts on health, because together we can bring healthcare to higher levels.