Stress is the body’s response to pressure; it’s a normal reaction that happens to everyone and can occur at all levels of life. Stress responses help the body adjust to new situations. There are nutritional, physical, emotional, mental and psychological stress factors. Stress can present itself as either acute or chronic in nature.

Acute stress disorder (ASD) typically occurs within one month of a traumatic event. Symptoms are similar to those seen in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, this disorder is usually temporary, lasting from a few days to a month. It may manifest as anxiety, trouble sleeping, irritability, reduced awareness and dissociative memory regarding a traumatic event.

Chronic stress factors include poor nutrition, exhaustion, insomnia, lowered thyroid function, heart problems, blood sugar alterations, weight gain, muscle breakdown, altered immune function and hormonal changes.

When faced with a perceived threat, a tiny region at the brain's base, called the hypothalamus, sets off an alarm system in the body. Through nerve and hormonal signals, this system prompts the adrenal glands, found atop the kidneys, to release a surge of hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, often called the “flight or fight response.”

Adrenaline makes the heart beat faster, causes blood pressure to go up and gives you more energy. Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, increases sugar, also called glucose, in the bloodstream, enhances the brain's use of glucose and increases the availability of substances in the body that repair tissues.

Managing Stress Factors: Develop a daily routine of taking care of your body.

Nutritional: Healthy eating. A balanced diet can support a healthy immune system. It provides the extra energy needed to cope with stressful events.

Sleep: Prioritize sleep. Getting enough sleep is important for many areas of your health and well-being along with its benefits for stress management.

Physical: Moderate exercise. Physical activity can positively affect your mood and reduce stress.

Emotional: Stay positive and connect with people to provide emotional support, calmness and happiness.

Environmental: Focus on what can be changed and learn to say “no” to additional responsibilities, if too busy or stressed.

There are many rewards for learning to manage stress. It may lead to greater peace of mind, fewer stressors and less anxiety, a better quality of life, improvement in conditions such as high blood pressure, better self-control and focus, and better relationships. And it might even lead to a longer, healthier life.

And remember to consult with your healthcare professional to address ongoing symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Nutrients Supporting Positive Mood & Relaxation

Nutritional supplements have been found to be helpful in lowering stress hormones and evoking calm when taken during the course of a day. GABA Calm is a combination of L-theanine and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), two naturally occurring agents that have been shown to support positive mood, relaxation and relieve mental tension. Super Stress Support is a sustained-release supplement that provides a full spectrum of B-complex vitamins as well as vitamin C and herbs to help support normal stress response.

There are many rewards for learning to manage stress. It may lead to greater peace of mind, fewer stressors and less anxiety, a better quality of life, improvement in conditions such as high blood pressure, better self-control and focus, and better relationships. And it might even lead to a longer, healthier life.

And remember to consult with your healthcare professional to address ongoing symptoms of stress and anxiety.

References

Cleveland Clinic. Stress. (Last reviewed May 15, 2024). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11874-stress

MedlinePlus. Stress and Your Health Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine. (reviewed May 4, 2024). Updated by: Fred K. Berger, MD, addiction and forensic psychiatrist, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003211.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Managing Stress. (August 16, 2024). https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/living-with/index.html

The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.