Ask Mary

Your personal nutritionist

By Mary Hartley, RD
Director of Nutrition

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I have heard psychotherapy professionals say that the body holds on to emotional feelings whether or not the feelings are realized by the mind.  The feelings are stored as tension in the muscles that is released by certain movements.  Tears may accompany the release of tension; the experience is cathartic.  I have also read that tears, sweat, drool – all airway secretions – are protective against exercise-induced asthma.  Since asthma is associated with dry airways, any wetness is good.   As an aside, low levels of vitamin D worsen asthma symptoms and so perhaps there is a connection.