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Stress Control Center
General Health Information
Stress results from a physical or psychological situation that puts pressure on the body's natural balance and sense of well-being. Whether we like it or not, stress occurs as a regular part of everyday life. Work deadlines, family concerns, pain, traffic, economic pressures, as well as job promotions, new homes, and marriages are examples of sources of stress in our daily lives.
No matter what the source, stress causes a natural physical change often referred to as a "fight or flight" response. This perception of threat affects almost all bodily processes and organs. Adrenalin is secreted, blood pressure rises, and muscles tense up. Cortisol is released which inhibits disease-fighting white blood cells and suppresses the immune system. In order to produce lots of energy quickly, the body increases its metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. During this process, the body excretes lots of nutrients including potassium, magnesium, calcium, and amino acids. Our digestion also slows down causing fats and sugars to be released from body stores, a rise in cholesterol, and a decrease in the absorption of nutrients. A state of continual stress can cause vitamin deficiencies, especially the B-vitamins, and electrolyte imbalances. Stress promotes the formation of free radicals that can damage cell membranes and body tissue. In short, stress increases our susceptibility to a variety of illnesses as well as the time it takes to recover from them.
Several key nutrients are necessary to help the body fight the damaging effects of everyday stress. Numerous vitamins and minerals are utilized as the body copes with the effects of stress. Replacing these vital nutrients with a high quality vitamin/mineral supplement is invaluable. Particularly important are vitamins A, C, and E, as well as the B-Complex vitamins; antioxidants and essential fatty acids should also be supplemented. Occasionally, ginseng and glandular extracts may help under extremely stressful conditions.
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Wellness Plan for Support of Stressful Lives
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Well balanced diet |
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Avoid tobacco |
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Limit alcohol use |
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Regular aerobic exercise |
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Practice stress management techniques |
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Quality sleep |
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Commit to leisure time |
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Pharmacist's Supplement Recommendations:
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Vitamins and Minerals - all are important, especially B-complex, vitamins A, C, & E |
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Herbs and Phytonutrients - ginseng, coenzyme Q10, DHEA |
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Amino Acids - all, especially essential amino acids |
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Glandulars - adrenal, pituitary |
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Essential Fatty Acids - DHA and omega-3 |
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Antioxidants - grape seed extract, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, selenium | | |
Click Here for Pharmacist's Recommendations
Wellness Centers Related to Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Endocrine and Glandular
Healthy Living
Hypertension
Insomnia
Nervous System
Sports and Fitness
Stress Control
Additional Information on Stress
Stress at Work- publication by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
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