The Stress Epidemic
Stress is extremely impactful and according to the American Psychological Association, it affects all systems of the body, including the respiratory, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems.
Different Types of Stress
“Acute stress is momentary or short-term…that causes an increase in heart rate and stronger contractions of the heart muscle with the stress hormones acting as messengers for these effects.”
“Chronic stress, or a constant stress experienced over a prolonged period of time, can contribute to long-term problems for heart and blood vessels. The consistent and ongoing increase in heart rate, and the elevated levels of stress hormones and of blood pressure, can take a toll on the body. This long-term ongoing stress can increase the risk for hypertension, heart attack, or stroke.”
- American Psychological Association
The body can manage small amounts of stress, but when our stress response is never switched off, chronic symptoms can occur.
The Musculoskeletal System
Muscles become tense when the body becomes stressed to act as a guard and prepare the body for potential physical disputes. Prolonged tense muscles can cause stress-related disorders, including migraine headaches. This happens because the head, neck, and shoulder muscles have been tense for so long, resulting in headaches and neck or shoulder pain. In order to reduce muscle tension, relaxing techniques can be implemented in your routine, like meditating, walking in nature, reading or writing, and yoga.
The Respiratory System
Shortness of breath and rapid breathing are common symptoms of stress on the respiratory system. This occurs because the air pathways become restricted due to the stress response. In serious cases, this can lead to hyperventilation, panic attacks, or asthma attacks for those diagnosed with respiratory disorders (COPD, asthma, chronic bronchitis, etc.). In order to relax your lungs, finding relaxing ways to control your breathing will help calm your respiratory pathways, such as mindful meditation.
The Cardiovascular System
The heart and blood vessels are the two main components of this body system working to nourish your organs and give them oxygen. During the flight or fight response, more blood is pumped to the heart and blood vessels, elevating blood pressure. Once the acute stress response ends, blood pressure returns to its normal range. However, chronic stress maintains high blood pressure for prolonged periods of time, resulting in inflammation of blood vessels and arteries, as well as hypertension, heart attack, or stroke.
“It also appears that how a person responds to stress can affect cholesterol levels.”
American Psychological Association
The Endocrine System
Once a threat is perceived and registered by the body, the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis is activated which acts as the driver of the endocrine system during stress. This promotes cortisol, the stress hormone, to be released. Cortisol signals the body to release glucose and fatty acids to provide more energy. Ideally, cortisol is gradually released throughout the day, providing the body with stable amounts of energy. However, chronic stress can cause high blood sugar overtime due to large, constant releases of glucose. Additionally, chronic stress and cortisol can inhibit communication from the HPA axis and the immune system. This causes mental and physical diseases, such as chronic fatigue, metabolic and/or immune disorders, and depression.
The Gastrointestinal System
Neurons in the gut constantly communicate with the brain, but stress can negatively impact their connectedness. Stress may trigger symptoms like stomach aches, indigestion, and bloating. Additionally, the gut contains billions of bacteria that regulate mood and emotions. When stress is present, mood, thinking processes, and the ability to concentrate are impacted.
Those experiencing stress are more likely to eat more or less than average due to extreme increases or decreases in appetite. Heartburn and acid reflux are more prominent with stress, as well as spasms of the esophagus, which are commonly mistaken for heart attacks.
“Contrary to popular belief, stress does not increase acid production in the stomach, nor causes stomach ulcers. The latter are actually caused by a bacterial infection. When stressed, ulcers may be more bothersome.”
The Immune System
When ongoing stress is experienced, the body becomes more vulnerable to sickness. Stress signals the body to shut down unnecessary bodily processes to provide the body with energy to survive. The immune system is one of the many systems that are inhibited by stress, leaving the body in an endangered state. The immune system can no longer ward off germs and sickness, and the body can not effectively repair itself.
The Nervous System
The central nervous system involves the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system has two branches: the autonomic and somatic nervous systems.
Autonomic Nervous System
Divided into two main parts:
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS): activates the “fight or flight” response which tells the body to spare energy for fighting or fleeing.
Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS): signals the body to produce adrenaline and cortisol. Together, these two hormones increase heart rate, dilate blood vessels, increase blood sugar levels, and increase the respiratory rate.
These reactions within the nervous system can persist in the face of chronic stress, making it more difficult for the body to recuperate and achieve balance.
The Brain
When we believe ourselves to be inferior or less than, the hierarchy factor comes into play. The idea of hierarchy in modern society is destructive against mental wellbeing, causing stress regarding one’s status, image, or social life. When this stress is placed upon the brain, it is capable of damaging brain cells particularly in the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and learning.
The Reproductive System
Male Reproductive System
Excessive levels of cortisol can create troubles of functioning reproductive anatomy. Chronic stress can decrease testosterone levels, causing decline of sexual drive and libido, as well as erectile dysfunction. Sperm production can also be negatively affected by high cortisol levels. A reproductive system that has become vulnerable due to stress is more prone to disease, including infections to the testes, prostate, and normal functioning of this system.
Female Reproductive System
High stress levels coordinate with irregular menstrual cycles in women and young girls. More menstrual aches and changes in duration of the cycle are also results of high stress. The ability to conceive is also negatively impacted, as stress effects fertility and health of a pregnancy. Depression is a common result of high stress, which can cause pregnant women to biologically disrupt the fetus’s growth and development.
When chronic stress is present, chronic diseases like polycystic ovarian syndrome are more likely to occur.
Stress Management
A constant finding in stress studies found that meaningful relationships relieve stress and combat stress-induced diseases. Clinical Psychologist Robert Sapolsky shows his discoveries on this in the National Geographic documentary Stress: Portrait of a Killer. A healthy social life and a support system is the key factor in reducing stress and potentially reversing stress-induced diseases.
Regular physical exercise and adequate sleep also regulates stress. Meditation, yoga, nature walks, reading, writing, drawing, craft making, family time, playing sports, and hiking are all ways to help regulate stress. Finding tasks that you enjoy and implementing more healthy, social activities in your lifestyle can make a world of difference.
Natural Supplements for Stress at Nature’s Presence
AnxioCalm by Terry Naturally
Clinically studied and fast acting for safe and effective stress relief. Contains only one standardized herb extract: narrow-leaved coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia) root extract. The unique extract quiets your nerves, relieves anxiety, restless sleep, and tension. This non-drowsy, non-addictive formula allows consumers to take as needed throughout the day.
Recommended for adults: 1-2 tablets twice daily
Recommended for children (ages 4-12): 1-2 tablets daily
NP Customer & staff favorite
Suntheanine (L-Theanine) by Natural Factors
L-Theanine is a unique amino acid found in green tea to help achieve mental calmness and relaxation.
Recommended: 1-2 capsules, 1-2 times a day
Testimonials: NP Customers reported significant results for relieving anxiety, improving sleep quality, and relaxation.
Pharma GABA by Natural Factors
GABA is a neurotransmitter naturally produced in the brain that helps increase the production of alpha brain waves to promote physical relaxation and while maintaining mental focus.
Recommended: 1-2 capsules, up to 3 times a day
Testimonials: NP Customers with PTSD, severe anxiety, or those frequently experiencing panic attacks reported great results in promoting calmness and anxiety relief.
Cortisol Relief by Vitanica
A formula containing L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, lemon balm, cordyceps, mimosa tree bark and flower, and magnolia tree bark. Helps achieve a healthy cortisol response, healthy aging, and manage stress levels.
Recommended: 1 capsule daily before bedtime
Vegan, Gluten Free, non-GMO formula
Formulated by Dr. Tori Hudson
Stressveda by Flora
A formula with herbs and vitamins derived from a proprietary blend of fruits and vegetables, including Ashwagandha, mushrooms, folate, and vitamin B6. Helps increase resistance to stress and increase energy in the case of mental or physical fatigue related to stress.
Recommended for adults: 1 capsule daily
Vegan & Gluten Free formula
Trusted References
American Psychological Association. “Stress effects on the body.” American Psychological Association, 1 November 2018, https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body. Accessed 28 December 2021.
Cedars Sinai. “Dealing with Stress: Know the Hidden Symptoms.” Cedars-Sinai, 25 July 2019, https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/hidden-symptoms-of-stress.html. Accessed 30 December 2021.
National Geographic, director. Stress: Portrait of a Killer. 2008, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYG0ZuTv5rs.