Are you sick of Stress?
by Eric Robert Santiago on 04/29/13
Stress can
cause or aggravate an illness, or an illness can cause additional
stressors or increase the intensity of the stress we feel. Overexposure
to stress hormones may be an underlying factor in 75% to 90% of all
primary care visits in the U.S., as well as linked to the 6 leading
causes of death. It's also the #1 reason people eat poorly (e.g., eating
on the run, skipping meals, making unhealthy choices, eating too late
or too much) or abuse substances that may exacerbate stress or increase
the risk of other health concerns (e.g., sugar, caffeine, nicotine,
alcohol).
Ignoring the signs of prolonged stress can lead to
further complications. Stress is a biochemical event that alters your
bodys chemistry. It can increase blood sugar and heart rate and
suppress the body's ability to digest food properly and clear unwanted
substances, such as environmental chemicals. It can also lead to weight
gain and/or inflammation that could eventually contribute to heart
disease or type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, stress can eat away at your
immune defense.
There are different emotional and behavioral
responses to our unique stress triggers. Each stress response type has
its own intensity, symptoms, and characteristics. You may feel wired or
anxious even with temporary stress. And a prolonged stress response may
make you feel nervous, sleepless, tense, weak, tired, or emotionally
exhausted. It's important not only to bolster your body's resilience to
stress but also to respond with healthy substitutes (e.g., deep
breathing, nature walks, time with friends) for unhealthy behaviors that
may be your go-to response during stress (e.g., snacking, smoking,
drinking).
Get personalized stress relief. A healthy diet,
regular exercise, adequate rest, and setting time aside for activities
that help you relax and enjoy life are all important to building your
resistance to both short- and long-term stress. There are also a variety
of herbal adaptogens that have been used for centuries, such as
rehmannia, licorice, polygala, ginseng, and holy basil, that may help
balance the natural events of the stress response so you can feel
cooler, calmer, and more collected for whatever life brings your way.
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