Stress

Stress causes chemical changes in the body that, left unchecked, can have negative effects on both mental and physical health. High levels of stress contribute to health issues as diverse as depression, anxiety, aggression, diabetes, obesity, other behavioral problems, cancer, tumors, stomach problems, diarrhea, weak immune system, hypothyroid, skin problems, kidney disease, and allergies, just to name a few.

Stress is actually the physical expression of our "Fight or Flight" survival mechanisms. A threatening or tense situation triggers a stress response, which prepares us to confront or flee a possible danger. This is a healthy response to immediate danger, such as confronting an assailant or running from a fire. Unfortunately, the stress response is also triggered by tense situations where physical action is not an option, such as an unreasonable boss, or traffic jams.

Stress can be divided into two subtypes: acute and chronic. Acute stress prepares us for fight or flight, and is generally short-term. Chronic stress lasts longer, and is the main cause of stress-related health problems.

Acute Stress

Acute stress is a short-term response by the body's sympathetic nervous system. How long acute stress lasts may vary—the response can last for a few minutes or a few weeks.

During an acute stress response, the adrenal medulla (part of the adrenal glands, two small glands located on top of each kidney) begins to release catecholamine hormones (including adrenaline and noradrenaline). In all, over seventeen different hormones are released during an acute stress response. These trigger several physical responses:

• Blood sugar levels rise
• Additional red blood cells are released (to carry extra oxygen)
• Peripheral blood vessels constrict
• Pulse quickens
• Blood pressure rises
• Digestion stops

And the following damage can occur:

• Impaired immunity (University of Mainz, Germany)
• Osteoporosis
• Reduced muscle mass
• Increased abdominal fat (Cortisol activates fat storage enzymes in cell.)
• Impaired memory and learning (Excess cortisol levels linked to brain damage.)
• Reduced glucose utilization. (When cortisol goes up, we crave sugar.)
• Reduced growth hormone, testosterone, DHEA and estrogen output.
• Depression
• Tumor Growth

Continue>>>

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of your health care provider.  The product statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.