Updates from Andrea Nicholson

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson was recently featured on The Profitable Nutritionist Podcast with Andrea Nordling. 

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson answers common questions about stress. She emphasizes the importance of testing cortisol levels before attempting to lower them, as depleted cortisol levels can mimic the symptoms of elevated cortisol. If cortisol is indeed high, identifying the times of day when levels are elevated is crucial in determining the appropriate remedies, which may include dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, supplements, or medications.

Nicholson also discusses the relationship between cortisol and weight and overall health. Chronically elevated cortisol can lead to weight gain due to increased blood sugar and insulin levels, which result in the body storing excess fuel as fat. Furthermore, cortisol imbalances can contribute to insulin resistance, affecting various disease processes.

The effect of caffeine on cortisol is another important topic addressed. Caffeine can interact with cortisol processing in the body, causing cortisol spikes and blood sugar imbalances. However, the interaction between caffeine and cortisol is personalized to each individual, and monitoring its effects on energy levels and blood sugar with a continuous glucose monitor can provide valuable insights.

These questions and answers provide a comprehensive understanding of cortisol and stress management, highlighting the need for personalized approaches and testing to determine the most effective strategies.

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson shares 8 unique emotional stress management techniques. She highlights the benefits of listening to binaural beats, using a weighted blanket for therapeutic benefits, and utilizing essential oils for relaxation. She also emphasizes the importance of exercise as a way to relieve stress and suggests tapping into creativity and passions to find peace and control. Finally, Nicholson recommends doing something kind for others as a way to uplift yourself and alleviate stress. These techniques can help individuals find healthy ways to deal with stress and manage their emotions effectively.

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson discusses our addiction to stress and the negative impact it has on our lives. Many of us have become accustomed to living in a constant state of stress, always feeling pressed for time and worrying about things that may never come to pass. Nicholson explains that stress has become like a drug for us, providing dopamine hits when we cross things off our to-do lists or achieve new goals. However, over time, these hits become less satisfying, and we need more and more stress to feel joyous and satisfied.

To break free from our addiction to stress, Nicholson recommends several steps. First, we need to recognize that we have a problem and acknowledge the unhealthy role stress plays in our lives. Second, we must learn to say "no" more often and prioritize our own well-being over constantly seeking to please others or prove how busy we are. Third, we need to find healthy coping mechanisms for stress, such as exercise, reading, or practicing mindfulness. Fourth, setting boundaries is crucial to prevent overwhelming ourselves with tasks that aren't necessary. Finally, practicing gratitude can help us appreciate what we have and find joy in the present moment.

By following these steps, we can work towards breaking our addiction to stress and living a healthier, more balanced life.

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson discusses the importance of restful downtime that goes beyond just sleep. She explains that activities like mindlessly watching TV or scrolling through social media, although not physically or mentally taxing, can still bombard us with stress, stimulation, and negative imagery. These activities actually increase cortisol levels and put our bodies into a fight or flight state, preventing true rest.

To make our downtime more restful, Nicholson suggests various activities such as spending time in nature without any electronic devices, reading a relaxing book, taking a bath in silence, stretching or doing light yoga, meditating or practicing deep breathing, and journaling. These practices can help lower cortisol levels, allowing our bodies to heal and ultimately leading to improved energy levels, productivity, and mood. Nicholson encourages listeners to incorporate at least one of these techniques into their daily routine to ensure their downtime is truly restful.