
What Stress Is and Is Not
Clinically speaking, stress is a survival skill. Our brains use it to signal fear as our bodies prep for aggression. What concerns me most, however, are underlying chronic stressors—from stealth infection to elevated blood pressure to insulin resistance to poor detoxification–that cause inflammation.
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The way our bodies experience stress is much more complicated than most people realize.Â
Under duress, our brains release hormones such as adrenaline and signal our adrenal glands to make cortisol, a stress hormone.
Imbalances is stress physiology will cause sleeplessness, increases in heart rate and blood pressure, profuse sweating, the tendency to perseverate with worry, poor digestion, increased light sensitivity, hair loss, nervous and emotional behaviors, and so on.
 [+] Does your mind race at night even though you feel emotionally and physically exhausted?Â
 [+] Do small hiccups in your day set you off uncontrollably?
 [+] Do you get colds more frequently and feel like each day is a struggle to “get through” it?
 [+] Are you experiencing chronic digestive upset?
It’s not uncommon to have a routine trip to the Dr’s office end with a mention to “lower your stress levels”. I often ask patients, What does that mean to you?Â

Tame the Flame of Chronic Inflammation
Stress physiology involves multiple systems, including body + brain cross talk. A perfect example has to do with glucose control.
In an ideal world, glucose is transported through the blood stream in a steady state throughout the day, neither too high or too low, so that it remains within what we refer to as your body’s optimal energy zone. However, rarely does a patient walk into the office who does not have some kind of issue with their glucose levels.Â
Unmanaged glucose levels cause a host of health issues, each of them pro-inflammatory because of how they either a – trigger a stress response in your brain; or b – cause an undue rise in insulin which is itself a pro-inflammatory hormone.
Other examples include chronic anemias & stealth infections at the root that keep your immune system on high alert such that they deplete your body’s energy reserves by acting as a key stressor of your immune system health.
At Pucci Wellness, we understand stress physiology. Our discovery process goes beyond simple stress relief and anti-anxiety medications to explore how to nurture balance between the gut-brain-hormone systems of the body; we delve deep into internal stress physiology –detecting which of the key stressors is impacting you most, so that we can begin to tame the flame of chronic inflammation and better adapt to stress.
Advanced lab testing together with 1-on-1 private consultations, called clinical power hours, are thoughtful and strategic as we aim to address both the physical and emotional aspects of stress and anxiety.
Once predisposed to the chronic stress cycle, functional medicine acknowledges that stress & anxiety don’t just magically go away. But, by looking at how to recognize and treat chronic physiological stressors – systemic imbalances like gut and hormones, and triggering events, we can carve a path forward.
How We Can Help
When it comes to chronic stress & anxiety, it’s important to work with someone who follows a truly holistic and inclusive approach while providing calm focused attention to your brain.
How We Can Help:
- Advanced Testing: We utilize cutting-edge diagnostics to uncover underlying imbalances and physiological markers associated with stress and anxiety.
- Personalized Consultations: Dr. Douglas J. Pucci meets with you 1-on-1 to work through your unique challenges, providing action steps and tailor solutions accordingly.
- Targeted Interventions: From lifestyle modifications and nutritional support to stress management techniques and holistic therapies, we provide a holistic approach to managing stress and anxiety.
The Benefits:
- Improved Well-being: By getting a handle on chronic stressors and having ownership over their body + brain crosstalk, our clients feel empowered to manage their fears.
- Enhanced Resilience: Our personalized approach equips individuals with the tools and strategies needed to build resilience and cope effectively with life’s challenges without resorting to self-medicating or pharmaceuticals.
- Lasting Solutions: Rather than offering quick fixes, we focus on sustainable solutions and systems in place that promote long-term health and vitality.
You Need Answers. Learn about our broad array of testing & why your next step could be the best for getting your life back on track. Streamline with Dr Pucci's Better Me Program.
Douglas J. Pucci, CFMC, Founder, Pucci Wellness. High-Level Functional Medicine located in Oradell, NJ, using Breakthrough Wellness Technology, Functional Diagnostic Labs, and the Telehealth Advantage. Loved by many, trusted by 1000's, Pucci Wellness is dedicated to elevating your healthcare experience to a level of prestige.
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