When attempting to measure the impact of difficult life events, the death of a loved one was recognised as the greatest life stressor that we face as humans. The impact of grief mentally and emotionally is fully recognised but there is a physical impact that is rarely acknowledged. Grief can leave us physically and mentally compromised and unable to function well day to day. These effects can stay with us for many months and even years.
Heart health after the loss of a loved one:
There are cardiovascular changes that put people at increased risk of heart attack. This risk is heightened for the first six months after losing a loved one. Increased blood pressure readings and heart rate. Platelet levels can also increase.
Increased cortisol for extended periods following loss:
Cortisol levels can still be raised 18 months post-loss. Increased cortisol levels will cause cognitive issues, including memory and concentration issues or more generally brain fog. Prolonged increased cortisol levels will cause fatigue, general lethargy and sometimes weight gain. This release will also suppress immune function leading to reduced immunity and susceptibility to infection. We see this clearly in studies of immune cells post-loss, specific immune cell counts decrease including natural killer cell activity. Some inflammatory markers increase too. This leaves us vulnerable to illness. We will be less able to fight off infection and more susceptible to developing chronic illnesses.
Knowing that grief can leave us physically compromised highlights the need to focus on our own health during this critical time. Supporting our bodies with nourishing food and finding ways to improve sleep as much as possible can help mitigate the impact. You might not feel like spending time preparing meals, which is why it helps to know where to place your focus. During a nutrition consultation, we can identify your individual nutrient needs and areas that need additional support. We can factor in any additional symptoms you might be having as well as consider your own health history and how that might influence your well-being. We can then find simple strategies to build up your physical resistance helping you through difficult times.
