Natural Medicine Clinic Publications

Advice for Politicians on Stress: Dear Senator, Dear Representative

By Nancy Aagenes, ND

While it seems in another lifetime I did work several sessions at the Montana Legislature about twenty-five years ago. It doesn't take an education in naturopathic medicine to question the health of the legislative lifestyle. Knowing more about prevention of illness and maximizing vitality now, I would offer some suggestions for your well being through your Helena winter.

First, balance your diet toward the proteins and away from the carbohydrates. If you are eating the countless buffets and reception foods, pick out the things that have protein, pass over the flours and sugars. If you go out for a big steak, enjoy every bite, and know that you will feel better if you bypass the potato and bread. Stick with only the colorful vegetables and the green salad as side dishes.

If you leave sugar alone entirely you won't crave it. If you eat just a little bit you will be tempted every time. Forget the sugar and gooey desserts. Try not taking a single bite or swallow of anything sweet. After the third day it won't even be hard. You'll feel better immediately and you are less likely to leave the Capitol carrying home extra pounds in April.

You can't afford a puny immune response in that environment. Not only will eliminating sugar help you think more clearly, it will also keep your immune system stronger. You can more easily resist the inevitable flu

bug that finds so many ready hosts in every legislative session. Even 80 grams of sugar will decrease by 50 percent the white blood cells that engulf and destroy bacteria. It takes about five hours for these neutrophils to return to normal. If you ate something sweet twice a day, your immune system would be less functional for about half of the time.

Second, drink water. Drink at least three quarts of water daily. Get yourself a quart bottle and don't let up until you have emptied it three times. Water will do better for you than any other drink. Alcohol besides everything else, interferes with sound sleep. Caffeine is like drinking stress, and you will have enough of that in other forms. If you need a cup of coffee to wake up, do yourself the favor of limiting it to that one cup. Then switch to water.

Third, walk, run, lift hand weights, dance--anything that gets you exercise. Comparison of 30 minutes of hard aerobic exercise to three 10 minute walks shows a nearly equivalent health benefit. If you can't schedule a serious workout then promise yourself three vigorous walks--do them with someone you want to connect with anyway.

Fourth, sleep deeply and well. Keep your conscience clean. If you avoid the stimulation of sugar and caffeine sleep will come easier. If you have exercised a little, that helps. Avoid alcohol. Find a daily relaxation habit--maybe it is a prayer or a meditation, maybe it is stretching or yoga. Do that ten minute thing every night before you sleep.

I have a sauna in my home. One night a particularly over stressed majority leader and other legislators baked themselves in that sauna until everything extraneous was poured out in sweat. Then they lay on the deck looking up to the stars and decided that maybe the seriousness of their work had a different proportion and significance viewed in that context.

Finally, thank you for doing the people's work. In many years of legislature watching and working I have developed a great respect for those of you willing to do this service. It is very hard work. You each deserve our respect and gratitude.