Stress and the Body

Acute stress is the body's reaction to an immediate threat, whether it be real or perceived. This reaction is often referred to as the fight or flight response. Stressors such as physical or emotional trauma, or environmental factors such as noise, light and crowds can cause acute stress.

Many people think of stress as outside forces or experiences. In actuality, stress is the body's way of reacting to some type of change that calls for acknowledgement or correction. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental and emotional responses. The human body can adequately experience stress and react to it. Stress can be a positive thing, however too much stress or prolonged stress has negative effects on the body.

Acute stress is the body's reaction to an immediate threat, whether it be real or perceived. This reaction is often referred to as the fight or flight response. Stressors such as physical or emotional trauma, or environmental factors such as noise, light and crowds can cause acute stress. These and other stressors activate the part of the brain called the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis. This triggers the production and release of steroid hormones, particularly the primary stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol increases blood pressure so the body is prepared to confront or flee a threat due to the increased blood flow to the outer extremities.

Today's Stress Cure Fact Symptoms Of Stress Considering that up to one in four people suffer from the adverse health affects that stress can cause and it is estimated that possibly anywhere from seventy to ninety percent of adult visits to doctors are due to stress related complaints costing an estimated 300 billion dollars annually to American industry it would be most beneficial to everyone to take a natural approach to stress management. While everyone experiences stress at some time or another and there are common symptoms and causes, the reaction can be very different from person to person as are the causes of stress. What causes one person to be highly stressed may not bother another in the least. When we are anxious, hurried, worried or feel threatened our bodies begin to tense up. Constant worry or mental anguish causes constant tension, or stress and begins to take a toll on the body, mind and emotions. This may result in anger, depression, fatigue, physical pain, irritability and many other unpleasant and undesirable reactions. If one can identify what it is that causes them to be in this state then stress can be effectively managed and controlled. stress

The hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis also activates the release of certain neurotransmitters called catecholamines, adrenaline in particular to aid in the response. If stress continues without any relief the body can and will react in a negative way. This distress may lead to symptoms such as headache, upset stomach, chest pain, and problems sleeping. Stress may not only contribute to existing symptoms or diseases but can possibly cause them. This type of stress that continues without any relief is called chronic stress.

While the release of certain hormones is helpful to the body on a short-term basis, it is important for the levels to return to normal after the perceived threat or stress has abated to restore homeostasis. The stress hormone Cortisol increases blood pressure, blood sugar and is an immunosuppressive, short term these can be helpful but over a period of time can cause physical harm. Increased levels of cortisol affect the immune, digestive and nervous system. The change in neurotransmitters and hormones also affects heart function, hormone balance and brain activity.

Symptoms of chronic stress are visible after a period of time. They are not always recognized as symptoms of stress though, since stress manifests itself in many different ways and varies from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms of stress include general aches and pains, headaches, muscle ache, indigestion, changes in eating or sleeping habits, fatigue, and sexual difficulties. Many people often try to combat these symptoms or control their

stress by smoking, drinking, or eating unhealthy foods causing further damage to the body. All of these factors may cause increased susceptibility to illness and infection. The onset of many conditions and diseases including, but not limited to depression, insomnia, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, ulcers and even some types of cancers have been linked to stress. There is evidence to suggest that somewhere between 70-90% of all doctor visits are due to stress related ailments or stress related complaints.

Companion Remedies for Stress, Anxiety, Depression

MindSoothe - Promotes balanced mood and feelings, as well as healthy levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters
PureCalm - Aids nervous system in stress resistance for balanced moods and feelings of well being
Serenite Plus - Promotes healthy sleep and peaceful nights
Sleep Tonic - Helps maintain a healthy balance of all hormones involved in healthy sleep patterns
Managing Stress & Anxiety - A recent study showed that medical students who learned techniques used in this program significantly reduced stress. And blood samples revealed their immune systems became stronger the more they practiced the techniques!
Mood Tonic - Optimizes nervous system health and promotes balanced mood and peacefulness
Core Inner Strength - Through the focused attention made possible through professional hypnosis, you can begin to see your own worth, and attain your own optimum levels of self-esteem.
Nerve Tonic - Promotes nervous system health, maintains balanced mood and worry-free mind
The Calm Within CD - Offers professional relaxation, visualization and affirmation techniques for self-help and stress reduction
Beyond the Baby Blues - This 2-CD program is designed to lift your spirits, comfort your soul, and create the necessary balance needed while you are adjusting to your new life and new baby.

Natural Stress Cures for Today

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Eczema: Natural cures for better skin
Copyright 2010 Vail Daily. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Vail Daily Eczema: Natural cures for better skin August, 16 2010 3:26 pm MST Itch, itch ... breathe ... itch, itch itch, ahhhh! And the cycle repeats. If you have ever suffered from eczema, this is a familiar scenario. Often called the itch that ...

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Gerd Maul, Noted Wistar Scientist, Dies at the Age of 70
Gerd G. Maul, Ph.D., of Wynnewood, Pa., a faculty member of The Wistar Institute since 1973, died Monday, August 23 at the age of 70. A respected scientist, as well as an accomplished artist and photographer, Dr. Maul led a distinguished career in the study of the structure and function of the cell nucleus - the "control center" of the cell - and its response to viral infection and stress.

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Most Canadians are concerned about how the health care system will handle the wave of aging baby boomers, finds a new report card from the Canadian Medical Association.

Most Canadians fear for health system: report card

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Eczema: Natural cures for better skin
Copyright 2010 Vail Daily. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Vail Daily Eczema: Natural cures for better skin August, 16 2010 3:26 pm MST Itch, itch ... breathe ... itch, itch itch, ahhhh! And the cycle repeats. If you have ever suffered from eczema, this is a familiar scenario. Often called the itch that ...

Eczema: Natural cures for better skin

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Gerd Maul, Noted Wistar Scientist, Dies at the Age of 70
Gerd G. Maul, Ph.D., of Wynnewood, Pa., a faculty member of The Wistar Institute since 1973, died Monday, August 23 at the age of 70. A respected scientist, as well as an accomplished artist and photographer, Dr. Maul led a distinguished career in the study of the structure and function of the cell nucleus - the "control center" of the cell - and its response to viral infection and stress.

Gerd Maul, Noted Wistar Scientist, Dies at the Age of 70

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Alternative Treatments for Insomnia Are Replacing Drugs
If you are among the 20-30 percent of the population who suffers from insomnia there is a host of natural remedies that can help you. Missing out on some shut eye can put your health at risk. Sleep deprivation can lead to anxiety, depression, concentration problems and a lack of energy. You may also be at increased risk for lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and ...

Alternative Treatments for Insomnia Are Replacing Drugs