GOOD GRIEF

Grief—or the psychological reaction to loss—is actually a normal, natural state of being. But if left unexpressed, sorrow can manifest in unhealthy conditions including insomnia, loss of appetite, and anxiousness. Many Chinese medicine and holistic health practitioners believe that repressing aguish can even lead to more serious illnesses, so it is important to exercise and eat right during this vulnerable time in your life.

“Your grief depletes your supply of several vitamins,” warns Dr. James F. Hubbard, Associate Professor of Psychology at UNC-Pembroke, and suggests including “a good supply of fruits and vegetables to replace your lost vitamin C.” In his 30-day Program to Better Health, Tom Monte suggests vitamin E supplements in the amount of 200 mg per day. But perhaps my favorite advice of all comes from Russell Friedman, author of The Grief Recovery Handbook, who suggests “heading to your emotional health food store for a healthy dose of vitamin H,” for hugs of course!

Resources:
http://grief.net/Media/please_pass_the_vitamin_h.htm
http://tommonte.com/articles/boostyourimmune.html
http://www.positive-life.org/griefrecovery