Stress can cause the body to heat up, preparing it for perceived threats.
In response, cellular risk genes are activated, and pro-inflammatory messengers such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 are produced. This primes our immune system’s clean-up crew, ensuring clear communication pathways between cells during a state of readiness. Simultaneously, natural killer (NK) cells, our primary immune defence, and thymic epithelial cells, the body’s internal intelligence agents, are mobilised to differentiate between external invaders (viruses and bacteria) and the internal immune response.
Prolonged stress, however, triggers the NF-KB gene switch, increasing the production of the COX-2 enzyme. This leads to higher conversion rates of arachidonic acid into Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), significantly intensifying the inflammatory response.
It is crucial for the body to break this cycle of stress.
Serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin—often referred to as happiness hormones—reduce inflammation. These hormones are released when we experience trust, belonging, pursue goals, and feel affection. The 4ME nutrient complex provides the necessary substances to stimulate the production of these hormones even with minimal socially satisfying experiences, akin to a firefighting plane extinguishing inflammation.
Well-being and healing require an inflammation-free environment.
Only when inflammation subsides and the state of combat readiness ends, can the body’s clean-up crew, responsible for removing old cells daily, take a break. This makes room for repair and growth processes to flourish.
How can we support repair and growth processes?
Activate Happiness Hormones!
- Minimise or quit nicotine, alcohol, and drugs. Dr Grohs Institute offers “Smoke-Free Naturally”, a one-day group programme or personalised online programme to help you quit.
- Take the 4ME complex as a 7-week foundational course. If you are enduring a prolonged and strenuous period (e.g., a distressing divorce, loneliness, caring selflessly for a loved one, or significant family stress), alternate taking the course for one week and then pause for three weeks, and repeat this cycle.
- Activate Oxytocin:
- Indulge in gentle massages to retrain your sensitivity to touch.
- Engage in volunteer work where you can directly see the impact on people, plants, or animals you are helping.
- Happiness Hormone-Activating Diet:
- Eliminate processed foods entirely. Dr Grohs Institute offers “Diet-Free with Natural Balance”, a one-day group programme or personalised PDM® (Psychodynamic Mental Competence) programme, or individual sessions.
- Replace meat with various types of organic beans, lentils, and mushrooms. Substitute potatoes with sweet potatoes and organic peas. Consume only industrially produced whole grain pasta (the only exception to processed foods). Whenever possible, replace all forms of bread with organic spelt whole grain bread.
- By integrating these practices, you can create a nourishing environment for both body and mind, promoting overall well-being and resilience.