What is stress?

Stress is the body's reaction to challenging situations. It is our original flight or fight response when faced with a new experience. The body actually releases chemicals like adrenaline to help cope physically and emotionally. This causes the familiar reactions of a pounding heart, flushed face, sweating etc. Small amounts of stress are actually good since they help to protect us. We think more clearly to make a quick decision, are able to work faster to meet a deadline, push ourselves harder to accomplish a task. All of the body's systems work in a higher gear in a situation of stress. However when stress lingers day-in and day-out, when you are in constantly demanding situations, the body's systems are unable to function normally. In a state of chronic stress, the body feels that it is in a constant life-threatening situation and can no longer relax. Being in a constant state of alert soon causes the body's systems to break down.

Who can get affected by stress?

Just about anybody including babies can get affected by stress. Over 89% of people have reported experiencing serious stress in their lives. Over 65% of visits to family doctors are for stress-related symptoms.

What are the symptoms of stress?

We can all recognize the immediate symptoms of stress

• Pounding heart
• Fast breathing or difficulty breathing
• Mouth goes dry
• Trembling
• Muscle tightening especially those of the stomach
• Need to urinate

The long term effects of stress include:

• Pain
• Heart disease and high blood pressure
• Obesity
• Autoimmune diseases such as arthritis
• Depression
• Inability to focus
• Problems sleeping
• Digestive problems which can lead to chronic conditions such as IBS and Crohn's disease
• Loss of sexual drive
• Abuse of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs in an attempt to relax.

What causes stress?

Stress can be caused by internal and external factors. Stress is caused by large part on an individual's perception. For e.g. driving may not seem stressful to some but can be to others. Even positive situations such as getting married or starting college can be highly stressful. In fact any event that is perceived as a challenge can be stressful.

Other than external factors such as one's job or family demands, stress can also be caused by internal factors such as unrealistic expectations, obsessing, negative self-talk. Top Ten Stressful Life Events

Spouse’s death
Divorce
Marriage separation
Jail term
Death of a close relative
Injury or illness
Marriage
Fired from job
Marriage reconciliation
Retirement
Source: Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory

What are some natural ways to prevent and treat stress?

A person's ability to cope with stress is hugely affected by relationships. Build strong relationships with loved ones, friends and co-workers.

Your outlook on life also determines your perception of situations. Try to keep a positive, upbeat attitude. Do not try to bring perfection, learn to be easy-going. Everyone goes through challenging situations in life but those who are emotionally healthy are able to bounce back more quickly and move forward

Exercise is a great means of relaxing and relieving stress

Practise other stress relieving methods such as yoga, meditation and tai-chi

Get involved in hobbies like gardening and scrapbooking

Herbs such as Ashwagandha and Bacopa help the mind and body be relaxed and yet feel energetic. Mentat is an ayurvedic formulation of 26 herbs and minerals that help to calm the mind and promote a positive outlook. Geriforte is a combination of over 40 herbs and minerals. It helps to relax, reduce tiredness, raise performance levels and improve cardiovascular health.




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References:

Adv Mind Body Med. 2014 Spring;28(2):10-5.
An open-label study to elucidate the effects of standardized Bacopa monnieri extract in the management of symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children.
Dave UP et al.

Food Funct. 2014 Mar;5(3):517-20. doi: 10.1039/c3fo60467e. Bacopa monnieri (L.) exerts anti-inflammatory effects on cells of the innate immune system in vitro. Williams R1, Münch G, Gyengesi E, Bennett L.

Phytother Res. 2014 Apr;28(4):551-9. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5029. Epub 2013 Jun 21. An acute, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study of 320 mg and 640 mg doses of Bacopa monnieri (CDRI 08) on multitasking stress reactivity and mood. Benson S1, Downey LA, Stough C, Wetherell M, Zangara A, Scholey A.

Pubmed.org

The Medical Advisor - The complete guide to Alternative & Conventional Treatments

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Herbs that help to stay calm & positive

Bacopa / Brahmi
A premier herb for supporting brain health

Ashwagandha
Promotes relaxation, enhances brain functions

Tulasi /Holy Basil
Supports normal cortisol levels & calms the mind