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~ Back to Articles Index Page ~  We all talk about the stresses in our life and, inevitably, there are certain things that will upset all of us. And within these similarities can occur vast degrees of upset. For instance, it's a sure bet that no one likes being cut off in traffic. However, some of us will simply shake our heads and others will lay on the horn and offer up suggestions as to where that driver should go next. Most of the time, we talk about stress in general terms. This is because stress can come from good and bad sources. A "good" source of stress emanates from a situation that will eventually resolve itself in a positive light. For instance, writing the last chapter of a book is definitely stressful, but the outcome is your first best seller. Stress only becomes "bad", or a problem, when we begin to lose sight of how to handle the situation and worry sets in. In this article we'll have a look at the medical definition of stress, understanding stress in more detail, some of the physical symptoms of stress, stress relief, and which vitamins and minerals support our body in case of stress, and which supplements are beneficial while we are under stress. THE MEDICAL DEFINITION OF STRESS "Any factor – physical, emotional, or other – that requires a change in response or affects health in any way, especially having an adverse effect on the functioning of the body or any of its parts. Continual [chronic] stress brings about widespread neurological and endocrine responses that, over a period of time, cause changes in the functioning of many body organs, often leading to disease (e.g., hypertension and allergic responses). 1 Stress creeps in as you start to worry about things, especially if you're not sure how to handle a person or a situation. How you process this worry in your mind can make the difference between a solution and a physical manifestation of stress symptoms. If the worry is a familiar one, you'll probably find a positive solution quickly. If the worry is unfamiliar, and you begin to feel threatened, stress begins to build in your body. UNDERSTANDING STRESS IN MORE DETAIL Stress is not necessarily what you have, as much as it is your response to something. The stress response can occur when a situation presents you with a set of conditions that might force you to change, adjust, adapt, or act in a different way from the norm. These conditions are known as "stressors". 
Stress generally means "thinking fast". Sometimes it means changing your attitude toward something. Sometimes it requires a lot of soul-searching and consideration. And sometimes, the best thing to do is nothing, which, in and of itself, can be stressful. Our bodies are wired to respond to momentary, or short-lived (acute), periods of stress. Our bodies are not, however, wired for chronic stress. The biological "fight or flight" response was set up to deliver you from immediate danger. Chronic stress extends the biological processes and places bodily organs, such as your adrenal glands, under a long, drawn out period of strain. Studies on health and stress have shown that stress can be a causal or contributing factor to virtually all major illnesses because chronic stress can lower immunity. Prolonged stress depletes your body's supply of necessary vitamins, such as vitamin C, in the adrenal glands and decreases their levels in the blood. PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS OF STRESS When faced with chronic stress, people begin to see physical symptoms. The first symptoms are relatively mild, like chronic headaches and increased susceptibility to colds. With more exposure to chronic stress, however, more serious health problems may develop. These stress-influenced conditions include, but are not limited to:
Stress management techniques and tools are everywhere you look today and it seems that the same ones keep popping up, probably because they work. If you truly apply yourself and learn, or employ, the following techniques properly, they can be of immense assistance when trying to alleviate stress: 
Then, there are the stress relief options that don't require any special training at all:
Taking a high quality multivitamin is the best way to ensure you body is getting what it needs on a daily basis. Other supplements you may wish to consider include:
 Natural Factors High Potency B Complex This Hi Potency B Complex contains a full range of B vitamins, including 50 milligrams each of choline and inositol. B vitamins work together to provide the body with energy. They convert protein, carbohydrates and fats into energy and synthesize brain chemicals to help your mood and nerves. They have so much in common as a group that they are often considered a single entity. B vitamins are usually found in the same foods and they work as a team in our body. Natural Factors Hi Potency B Complex is naturally produced by, and isolated from, friendly vegetarian bacteria. 
Flora Liquid Calcium MagnesiumIndividuals who live with chronic stress often show signs of a calcium-magnesium deficiency, as both calcium and magnesium are lost from the body during times of stress. These two minerals work as a team; calcium enhances adrenaline secretion/response and nerve excitation while magnesium decreases it. Without the two in balance, the stress response may last longer than necessary, putting additional stress on the body. References: 1. About.com: Stress Management http://stress.about.com/od/stresshealth/a/stresshealth.htm Carol Roy is a Natural Health Practitioner, registered with Natural Health Practitioners Canada, who received her diploma from the Alternative Medicine College of Canada in Montreal, Quebec. With 9 years experience in her area of expertise, naturopathic medicine, Carol has also trained to become a fully qualified Reiki Master, Quantum Touch ® Practitioner and Reflexologist. are recommendations only and not a substitute for any medical advice or a replacement for any prescriptions. Seek medical advice for any health concerns. Consult your health care provider before using any recommendations herein. |
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