A
2006 online poll found greater than 70% of the population reports
feeling stressed. Last month’s article discussed environmental stress
and its effects on our mental, physical and emotional systems. This
month, our discussion is on the effects of chronic stress on the body’s
systems, the mechanism of the stress response and the results
associated with the presence of stress. Most importantly, solutions to
managing chronic stress will also be covered.
What is Stress?
Stress is defined as a state of threatened or perceived
threatened homeostasis. Homeostasis is defined as the ability of an
organism to maintain internal equilibrium by adjusting its
physiological processes. When the body perceives a stressor, complex
physiological and behavioral central nervous system adaptive responses
occur within the body.
What is the purpose of these responses?
These responses occur to help the body deal with the immediate
stressor and preserve homeostasis. Not all stressors negatively affect
homeostasis; some are pleasurable or exciting and produce positive
stimuli on emotional and intellectual growth. In fact, some studies
have shown a mild to moderate amount of stress is helpful to an
individual.
What are the causes of Stress?
There are many causes but can be broadly categorized into Psychological, Physical and Biological.
What are examples of each category?
Sources of Psychological stress can be from emotional trauma and from
one’s lifestyle choices e.g. placing yourself in a dangerous or
seemingly threatening situations like participating in extreme sports
or an intense roller coaster ride. Physical stressors include poor
dietary habits, infections and neurotoxins etc. Biological stresses
include genetics and other inherited tendencies.
How does the body respond to stress?
Activation of the central and peripheral nervous system response
mentioned above occurs through a variety of chemical messengers,
including hormones and neurotransmitters which incite the body to
produce the extra energy, heightened response and alertness known as
the "fight or flight" response. These reactions are designed to be of
short duration and automatically shut off when the immediate stressor
has passed.
What happens when the body does not elicit a "proper stress response"?
When there are alterations in the levels of the chemical messengers
there may be a hypo- or hyper- reactive stress response. Hypoactive
stress response is too short or too little reaction. Hyperactive stress
response is too long or too much reaction. When the body is exposed to
chronic stress, the body, unable to recover from the stress, responds
with a hypo or hyper-reactive stress mode.
What are the chemical messengers of the stress response?
These are classified as Hormones and Neurotransmitters. Some of the
hormones are Cortisol, DHEA, Corticotripin releasing hormones (CRH) and
Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH). The neurotransmitters are
Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, Glutamate, GABA, Histamine and Serotonin.
The body’s responses to stress are mediated primarily by Cortisol.
How does Chronic Stress manifest in the body?
There are many symptoms associated with chronic stress. Some the more
common signs are fatigue, weight gain, sluggishness, anxiousness, low
mood, memory issues, low energy, low motivation, sleep difficulties,
infections, illness, irritability and focus issues. A dysfunctional
stress response can have effects on virtually any and all organs or
systems. Vulnerability to a particular stressor is dependent on the
individual’s genetics as well as environmental factors. Chronic or
traumatic stress results in a dysfunctional stress response. And,
production of the chemical messengers needed to meet the demands of
chronic stress is also affected. Changes emerge over time and may
result in the manifestation of clinical symptoms listed above.
What are the options for treating a chronic stress response?
First, identification of hormonal and neurotransmitter imbalances is crucial. Urinary neurotransmitter testing and adrenal and hormonal analysis provide a solid foundation for therapeutic intervention and support. HealthWalk’s adrenal and hormonal analysis
and neurotransmitter profile analysis are designed to detail your
systems’ conditions and with that information we can suggest and work
with you on the optimal solutions to rebalancing and harmonizing any
imbalances. MindSoul Brain Technology
can map your brain frequencies identify any imbalances and together
with the data from the neurotransmitter profile analysis, we can help
you rebalance your brain frequencies using biofeedback and sound and
light therapy.
Secondly, proper nutrition is imperative to giving your body the
support it needs to produce a more balanced stress response. When the
body is out of balance and/or is lacking the proper nutrients, it
causes stress. For example consumption of a high-carbohydrate diet
creates a hyposensitive serotonin receptor. Low serotonin levels are
linked to improper appetite control, depression and other symptoms.
Poor appetite control leads to weight gain. Weight gain is a stressor
response. HealthWalk’s Functional Nutritional Counseling
analyzes your unique biochemical make up and your nutritional needs.
Based on the evaluation and health concerns, a Nutritional Plan of
Action is customized for your individual needs and goals.
Supplementation to support health hormonal and neurotransmitter balance ensures a healthier stress response.
As mentioned last month, ReGenesys™,
HealthWalk’s flagship product, is packed with digestive and
neuromuscular enzymes designed to overcome the effects of modern
stressors. ReGenesys™
has also shown to be supportive of normal functions for pain, to
promote healthy tissue growth, enhanced energy and normal sleep
patterns.
Finally, stress management techniques, whether it is Yoga, Meditation
or playing with your canine or other animal friends all provide coping
and de-stressing mechanisms that can be implemented immediately to
modulate the stress response.
Sam Fox RN, HealthWalk Health Guide and Consultant
HealthWalk™ offers customized, non-invasive and effective
support to enable your body’s own innate powers to enhance health, performance
and healing.
HealthWalk
is
dedicated to supporting and educating you to achieve and maintain
vibrant wellness. HealthWalk is a unique integrative healthcare
facility and sanctuary with a global umbrella of leading edge
technologies, services, supplements and products backed by over 20
years of research.
HealthWalk™ is located at 5825 Avenida Encinas suite 111, Carlsbad CA 92008 for more
information call 877-255-4703, email info@healthwalk.com or visit www.healthwalk.com
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