- Stress is the physiological and
psychological adaptation people experience to change, both good and bad. Physical causes
of stress include exposure to toxins, pathogens and injury. During the alarm stage of
stress, the adrenal glands secrete adrenaline and related hormones. This increases the
heart rate and blood pressure, sends blood towards the heart, lungs, brain, and muscles,
to prepare the body to fight or run. The rate of breathing is also increased to supply
more oxygen to these organs. Finally, these hormones increase blood sugar and mobilize fatty acids in the
blood.
During the adaptation stage that follows, steroid
hormones such as cortisol are produced to break down fat and muscle tissue for energy.
Psychological effects of stress include irritability, depression, anxiety, anger, and poor concentration.
High levels of cortisol suppress the immune system and may lead to physical diseases,
including ulcers, heart disease, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, and even cancer. (Ulcers, which were once thought to be
linked to stress, are caused largely by intestinal bacteria.) Ways to limit stress include
nutritional support, physical exercise, and mind-body practices such as yoga, tai chi,
biofeedback, and meditation.
- Nutrients that are often
depleted by stress include the antioxidant vitamin A, E, and
seleniumgory=233">C, the B vitamins, and the
minerals , potassium, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and molybdenum. Herbs
that can help include "nervines" like oats, St. John's Wort, skullcap, California poppy, chamomile, hops, passionflower, valerian
and kava root. "Adaptogenic" herbs
such as ginseng, codnopsis and astragalus, which help bring the body’s metabolic
systems in balance, can also be helpful. Avoid sugary foods, alcohol, and stimulant drugs
like caffeine and nicotine.
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- Daily requirements and
optimal intake
- The recommended daily allowances
or RDAs were developed for basic survival needs, not optimal health. Levels significantly
above the RDAs are preferable for prevention of illnesses and adverse stress levels. A
B-vitamin complex with 25–50 mg of each of the B vitamins is optimal and can help the body to relax.
Vitamin C is a very important antioxidant, which protects cell membranes during stress.
Doses should be from 1-5 grams a day, and should include bioflavonoids. Vitamin E protects
lipids (fats) from oxidative (oxygen) injury during stress. Certain minerals, such as
magnesium (300- 500mg. a day) which relaxes the heart muscle, and amino
acid, such as L-tryptophan
(5-HTP), which promotes general relaxation.
Food sources and safety B-vitamins are found in
legumes and brewers yeast, but are primarily found in animal foods, such as meat. Vitamin
C is found in fruit, primarily citrus and fresh vegetables (e.g., potatoes, tomatoes, and
peppers). Magnesium is found in meat and seafood. Tryptophan is
found in bananas, cheese, and yogurt.
B vitamins and vitamin
C are water-soluble so they are readily excreted in the urine and pose little risk of
toxicity. |
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Product
Recommendations |
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- Liquid Nutritional Supplements with 100 %
Aloe Vera & Ginseng. High Absorption Rate - B-Comlex Vitamins - Folic Acid - Tangerine
Orange
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