Stress is the term used to describe any reaction to a mental, emotional, social or physical stimulus that requires a response to the way one feels, thinks or performs. Many things both physical and psychological can cause stress. Something as little as traffic or noise or as big as the loss of a loved one can cause stress. In some cases, people create their own stress, even if nothing is objectively wrong in their lives and for people like this stress becomes an addiction.

Stress can be either acute or long-term. Stress over long-term is particularly dangerous. Stress on a continuous basis can eventually take its toll on the body. And because of its affect on the immune response, susceptibility to illness is increased and healing is slowed.

The impact that stress has on a person is truly varied and dependent on the tolerance for it. For some people, stress has little or no impact on their lives whereas other people experience headaches, memory loss, cold hands, fatigue, high blood pressure, nervous twitches, gastrointestinal problems and insomnia among other things.

Stress also opens a huge floodgate for many ailments and illnesses. It is estimated that 80 percent of all major illnesses including cancer, most back problems, cardiovascular disease and skin disorders are stress-related. Stress is also a pre-cursor to physiological problems such as depression and anxiety.

While many people view stress as a psychological problem, the effects it can have on one’s body are actually very physical. The method by which the body responds to stress includes elevation of blood pressure, acceleration of the heartbeat, greater tension in the muscles and increased secretion of adrenaline. Digestion also slows or stops, cholesterol levels rise, and the blood’s composition changes slightly making it more prone to clotting. When this happens, the risk of heart attack or stroke is increased.

Nearly all organs and functions of the body react to stress. The production of adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) is increased by the pituitary gland, which results in the release of the hormones and cortisol being stimulated. The affect that these hormones have on the body is one that inhibits the functioning of disease-fighting white blood cells and causing the immune system to be depressed.

This complex of physical changes is known as the “fight or flight” response and is structured to prepare one to face an immediate danger. In today’s day and age, most of the stress a human being incurs has nothing to do with physical threats but the body still responds as if it was.

Most of the symptoms associated with stress including nutritional deficiencies are related to the increased production of adrenal hormones, which causes the body to increase it’s metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats to quickly produce energy to be used by the body. The body excretes amino acids, potassium and phosphorus to deplete magnesium stored in muscle tissue and to store less calcium when this response occurs. Stress also ages brain cells and causes fat to accumulate around the midsection of the body. Stress also causes an increase in the level of interleukin-6 (IL-6), which is an immune system protein that is linked to many disorders including cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease and arthritis and has direct effects on most of the cells in the body.

This host of physical reactions prevents the body from properly absorbing nutrients, which over a long period of time can cause the body to become deficient in many nutrients and unable to replace them adequately. Nutritional deficiencies account for many of the disorders that are stress-related. B-complex deficiencies are especially harmful because these vitamins play a very important role in proper functioning of the nervous system and certain electrolytes, which become depleted during the body’s response to stress. Free radical formation is also promoted with stress.

The more serious forms of stress include obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder. Many times, these disorders occur when a person is unable to cope with a situation that affected their life negatively. One tell-tale sign of PTSD is mentally reliving traumatic events that occurred in the past to the point that it obstructs one’s normal way of living.

Stress related symptoms are attributed to “nerves” and it is true that parts of the body that are related to the nervous system can in fact be affected by stress. This is especially true of the digestive organs. Some examples include irritable bowel syndrome and/or an ulcer flare up.

The regimen outlined below includes an alternative approach to treating & preventing stress.

The diet should consist of 50 – 75 percent raw foods. Aside from supplying valuable vitamins and minerals, fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in flavanoids, which are compounds that scavenge and neutralize free radicals.

Caffeine intake should be limited as it can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to nervousness.

Getting sufficient sleep each night is very important as lack of sleep only adds to one’s stress level.

Tobacco, alcohol and any mood-altering drugs should be avoided. The substances simply “band aid” your stresses for the moment but never really address the problem so your stress will be there when the effect of these substances wears off.

Processed foods, artificial sweeteners, eggs, fried foods, sugar, red meat, junk foods, foods containing preservatives or spices, chocolate and carbonated soft drinks should all be avoided as they create stress on the system.

Many people find meditation to be an effective way of relieving stress.

You can also relieve stress by getting adequate rest, exercising regularly, talking about feelings, journaling and enjoying hobbies.

The following supplements may also be beneficial:

GABA (750 mg twice daily) - Acts as a relaxant and is important for brain function.

SAMe (take as directed on label) - May ease depression.

L-Taurine (take as directed on label) - Helps protect the brain and heart.

Vitamin B Complex (100 mg of each major B vitamin daily) - Critical to good health and proper function of the nervous system.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (3,000 – 10,000 mg daily) - Supports the adrenal gland in its efforts to create anti-stress hormones.

Calcium (2,000 mg daily) Magnesium (1,000 mg daily) and Zinc (50 mg daily) - Are often depleted, which may cause anxiety, fear and hallucinations.

Coenzyme Q10 (take as directed on label) - Helps shield the heart and immune system.

L-Tyrosine (500 mg twice daily during the day and at bedtime. Take with water or juice & never with milk on an empty stomach) - An amino acid that helps reduce stress and assists in a good nights sleep.

Kava Kava, Siberian Ginseng, Chamomile, Valerian and Ashwagandha - Help the body to relax.

Ginkgo Biloba - The herb with a funny name that helps aid in brain function and circulation.

* Important notes: The recommended doses are for those over age 18 unless otherwise stated. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.

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