In FDN, how is stress assessed in relation to health?

In Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, assessing stress is crucial because it has a profound impact on overall health, particularly through its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is a central component of the body's stress response system, regulating various physiological processes including stress hormone production, metabolism, immune response, and mood.

Evaluating the effects on the HPA axis allows practitioners to understand how chronic stress might lead to dysregulation in these areas, contributing to various health issues such as adrenal fatigue, immune dysfunction, and metabolic imbalances. By monitoring hormones like cortisol and assessing patterns of stress adaptation or dysfunction, practitioners can gauge how stress is affecting a person’s health status and subsequent treatment strategies.

Other approaches do not provide a comprehensive view of stress's physiological implications. Focusing solely on psychological evaluations may overlook the biological effects of stress, while direct physical examination might miss the underlying hormonal changes. Additionally, the notion that stress is insignificant fails to recognize its critical role in many health conditions. Thus, examining the HPA axis is essential for a well-rounded assessment of stress in relation to health in the context of FDN.