If we want to be fully present, to honor what we have lost and to give grief its due, we need the physical stamina to do so. Much has been written about the spiritual side of grief. Yet, we also need to be supported physically if we are to successfully complete our healing journey. A few minutes after ACTH reaches the adrenal gland, it triggers the release of hormones called glucocorticoids. Numerous other hormones are activated as well, but glucocorticoids pose the primary threat to our maintaining the strength needed to heal grief.
Glucocorticoids are the physiological messengers sent by a broken heart.
When spouses die within months of one another, glucocorticoids contribute significantly. When we grieve, glucocorticoids quickly manifest our sadness and vulnerability by shutting down critical immune defenses. Yet, gluccocorticoids potentially damaging effects can be ameliorated naturally. As Cervantes said, God, who sends the wound, sends the medicine. Digestive processes, including the production of hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes, slow down.