September 18, 2001

SOURCE: Dr. Udo Erasmus

As hospitals throughout New York City continue to treat victims of the worst act of terrorism in modern history, health care professionals are bracing for a second wave of casualties -- persons suffering from emotional and physical disorders triggered by the stress and uncertainties the tragedy has created.

"Witnessing sudden and irrational physical violence, experiencing unexpected loss, and feeling other forms of physical and mental stress produce biochemical changes within our bodies. Unless recognized and properly addressed, these changes bring about deterioration in our physical and emotional health," says Dr. Udo Erasmus, a well-known Canadian author, psychologist, and one of North America's foremost experts in the biochemistry of human health.

Dr. Erasmus says that highly traumatic events can sometimes trigger physical reactions such as arthritis and even heart attacks.

"These conditions occur because of biochemical changes brought about in the body by stress, which is also known as the "fight or flight" response. Stress responses include: blood platelets become more sticky and make clots more likely, blood pressure increases, immune function is put on hold. These and other stress reactions," says Dr. Erasmus, "can trigger many problems, especially if the stress is not adequately dealt with by counseling and nutritional support."

When inadequate attention is given to the increased needs of body and mind during stress, a year or two later there is often an increase in cancer or other immune problems.

"Witnesses to trauma find that under stress, their digestive systems don't work as well. This is a natural reaction. They may not feel hungry, or become less able to digest and properly assimilate nutrients from the food they do eat. When this natural reaction to stress is prolonged, people can become dysfunctional: less able to deal with stress, more lethargic, depressed," he says.

As a result, Dr. Erasmus says these people can suffer subtle physical reactions like sore throats, diarrhea, increased proneness to allergic reactions or to other stresses. They can also fall victim to more serious health problems precipitated by suppressed immune system activity brought on by the combination of under-nutrition and excess levels of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisone.

Dr. Erasmus says depression, anxiety, confusion and irritability are also common after traumatic events. These are most common when a person feels powerless to control or change the stressful situation.

"During crisis, the body burns up increased amounts of minerals, vitamins, essential amino acids and essential fatty acids -- substances that must be present for proper body and brain function. Once essential nutrients are depleted, physical and mental problems become more likely," says Dr. Erasmus. "Many people get only marginally adequate amounts of some of essential nutrients and social support to begin with, and stress depletes them to inadequate levels, compromising mood and mental function."

Luckily, Dr. Erasmus says it's possible for individuals to take positive steps to reduce or eliminate many of the mental and physical problems which often follow in the aftermath of cataclysmic events. His recommendations are:

1. Encourage people to express their feelings and their thoughts, without judging them.
2. Assist those who have been deeply affected by trauma to maintain a regular eating schedule and not skip meals. People involved in tragic circumstances, even as by-standers, often forget about hunger and about food.
3. Supplement the foods of those under stress or trauma with those essential nutrients that are typically depleted by stress. Of primary benefit in lifting depression and optimizing mental function are the essential fatty acids. These also help reduce risk of post-trauma anxiety and cardiovascular problems. Vitamins C and the B complex, depleted by stress, are necessary for brain function. Antioxidants, used up in large amounts during stress, are especially important for immune function and the prevention of stress-related degenerative illnesses. Magnesium, which is rapidly lost during stress, is required for brain, immune and insulin function; for cardiovascular health, and for good sleep. Digestive enzymes and friendly microorganisms help to keep digestive functions working at times of stress.
4. Involve those under stress in physical activity. Walk, run, or work out with them. Engage them in efforts to re-build lives and buildings. This is important for two reasons. First, it allows the body to burn off the adrenaline and cortisone produced by the body in reaction to life- threatening events. When these chemicals are present but not utilized for physical exertion they continue to create stress reactions in the body. Chronically high levels of these stress hormones are detrimental to health, especially to immune function. Second, physical activity brings awareness and concentration away from thoughts of helplessness and hopelessness, and away from the stressful images of trauma. Mourning is also important, but not to the exclusion of all else. For the survivors, life must go on. It helps to have constructive goals.
5. Help those suffering from trauma to get plenty of sleep. Physical exercise, a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on; plus the natural, nutrient-based relaxants calcium, magnesium, melatonin, and essential fatty acids help to promote restful sleep.