Stress in Today’s World

Stress in Today’s World: Tips to Reduce the Negative Effects

 In today's world stress is a pervasive issue that has significant impacts on both mental and physical health, contributing to a wide range of health problems and exacerbating existing conditions. Chronic stress can lead to mental health disorders, neurological disease, digestive issues, cardiovascular disease, and weakened immune systems, that affect overall well-being and quality of life. 

In response to various stressors, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis triggers a stress response and the release of stress hormones by the adrenal glands. These glands are vital for maintaining physiological homeostasis by secreting stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. When this equilibrium is upset, either by chronic stress, environmental factors or pathological situations, it can result in the overproduction or underproduction of these hormones.

Excess cortisol for example is frequently associated with chronic stress, increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting in oxidative damage by destroying lipids, proteins, and DNA. Oxidative stress, occurs when the body’s antioxidant defence systems cannot neutralize ROS. The increased ROS contributes to inflammation, the underlying cause of most chronic mental and physical disease.  Oxidative stress, resulting from dysregulation in the secretion of adrenal hormones, represents a major concern in human health.

 Adrenal dysregulation is one of the most prevalent conditions of our time and yet it is rarely diagnosed in Western medicine. Unfortunately, the milder forms of hypo or hyperadrenia are often missed or misdiagnosed. The narrow parameters of lab tests do not measure the earlier stages, the pre-clinical stage, and people suffer needlessly with adrenal fatigue for years.

The importance of Antioxidants

Environmental pollutants, poor lifestyle choices, environmental toxins, mental emotional stress all contribute to oxidative stress. Antioxidants serve an important role in preventing oxidative damage by scavenging these free radicals and lowering oxidative stress.

 Vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, selenium, zinc, coenzyme Q10, grapeseed extract, and resveratrol, are examples of powerful antioxidants that are essential in mitigating oxidative stress due to imbalances in adrenal hormones. The effectiveness of nutritional antioxidants is undeniable.

 Adrenal Support

Ashwagandha increases resistance to stress and helps with anxiety. Traditionally it is used as a sleep aid, nerve tonic and for athletic support. It also supports libido and promotes healthy testosterone production in men.

Siberian ginseng has anti-stress and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used for centuries to support mental and physical performance and is ideal for anyone who is under stress and feeling run down.

Rhodiola provides antioxidants and helps relieves symptoms of stress such as mental fatigue. Combined herbal formulas contain these and other important herbs that help prevent and treat stress induced conditions.

Reishi, cordyceps, and lion's mane help to reduce effects of stress and may help with anxiety and depression.

 Some Common Food sources of antioxidants include

Fruits: Cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and black cherries

Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, carrots, cabbage, asparagus, avocados, beetroot, kale, arugula, sweet potatoes, squash, and collard greens.

Other foods: Nuts, whole grains, dark chocolate, meats and poultry

Important tips to reduce mental and physical stress

• Move away from your screens!
•         Spend at least 20-30 minutes in nature is associated with lower cortisol levels, the major stress hormone.
•         Exercise – even a brisk walk 3-5 times a week can help to lower stress levels
•         Yoga or meditation, breath work, listening to calming music
•         Spend time with positive people and people you love and like.
•         Attitude of Gratitude:  Studies have shown that people who believe stress has adverse effects on their health are probably right.  Our greatest tool against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another. 
•         The Attitude of Gratitude has been linked to better health, sounder sleep, less anxiety and depression and higher long-term satisfaction with life, and kinder behaviour towards one another.

There are many choice of supplements available that can help to reduce the negative effects of stress on the body and mind. Talk to the knowledgable staff at the Vitamin Shop.