What Is Stress?
Stress situations that occur in our daily life may cause people to feel irritated, threatened or anxious- a set of emotions that are collectively referred to as stress. Many people become stressed when they are involved in conflicts, worried about problems or pressed for time. The body interprets these pressures as a threat to our life. In response, the pituitary gland signals the adrenal glands to release adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol-hormones that prepare the body to fight or flee. As a result, muscles tense, alertness increases and heartbeat, respiration and blood pressure escalate. Though these effects enable the body to react quickly when faced with true danger, a body in a constant state of stress begins to lose its capacity for defense. Lack of sleep and exposure to excessive noise make coping with stress more difficult.
The Fight-Or-Flight Factor
When stress strikes, the body perceives a threat and gets ready for action. Blood flow is diverted to the muscles, preventing the rest of the body from properly absorbng vitamins, minerals, and water. With no physical attacker to fight or flee from, this physical "pumping up" has no outlet, which compromises normal body function and, over time, may adversely affect your health. Stress can cause fatigue, lower immunity, and raise blood pressure, making it a risk factor for a variety of problems, including infections, constipation, sexual dysfunction, depression, and heart disease.
Stress-Fighting Foods
- Apples, oranges, strawberries
- Eggs
- Fresh vegetables: asparagus, brocoli, brussels sprouts
- Herbals teas: ginseng, chamomile
- Lean ,eats
- Low-or nonfat dairy products
- Whole-grain breads
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