Stress plays a role in healthy functioning. It is the body’s natural response to perceived environmental threats. When stress begins to persist and impact daily life, there are many natural remedies that can help. Persistent stress is an indication that something is out of alignment. Unfortunately most people are so maxed out, overworked, and dealing with a multitude of stress aggravators, that the normal role that stress plays is no longer pertinent. The good news is that managing stressful lives is possible through the use of natural remedies and with the guidance of a holistic expert. What causes stress? Stress is caused when a perceived threat activates the hypothalamus (a region at the base of the brain), sending signals to the adrenal glands to produce the stress-regulating hormone cortisol. Cortisol functions to transport blood sugar; reduce inflammation; and helps in the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Due to the nature of our hectic lifestyle, the body is often responding to perceived stressors that are not really there. Overactive adrenal glands alter the balance of cortisol and wreak havoc on the immune and digestive systems over time. Nutrients are needed for the production of cortisol, and when they become depleted in the overproduction of the hormone it can begin to take a toll on the body in other ways. The long-term effects of chronic stress can lead to and aggravate other conditions.
Conditions caused or worsened by stress include:
