Top Ways to Reduce the Brain’s Stress Response

 

What is Stress

Chronic activation of this ancient survival mechanism impairs our health and sense of well-being and vitality. 

The term “stress” had no contemporary connotations before the 1920s. It is a form of the Middle English destresse, derived from the Latin stringere, “to draw tight.”

The human stress response is a carefully orchestrated although the near-instantaneous sequence of hormonal changes and physiological responses in our body. This natural response happens when a condition, such as a threat, challenge or physical and mental barrier, requires our attention or action. Unfortunately, the body can also overreact to stressors that are not life-threatening, such as the world news, traffic jams, pressure at work, and financial and family difficulties. Of course, we all experience stress to some degree. However, how we respond to stress dramatically affects our overall well-being, health, sense of vitality and quality of our relationships.

The stress hormones -mainly Cortisol and Adrenaline- increase our pulse and tense our muscles. In the short term, this response can be beneficial and harmless; however, when we suffer from prolonged stress, our body stays alert -depleting energy more quickly. As a result, permanent changes in our physiological, emotional, and behavioral responses may occur. This depletion causes many health problems, such as high blood pressure, headaches, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, menstrual problems, weakened immunity, sleep issues, skin problems and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and addiction.

Signs of Chronic Stress

Stress causes many types of physical and emotional symptoms as well. 

Clinical studies demonstrated that individuals who reported relationship conflict lasting one month or longer have a greater risk of developing illness and show slower wound healing. 

Issues such as forgetfulness, lack of energy or focus, stiff jaw or neck, trouble sleeping, sexual problems, upset stomach and frequent use of alcohol or drugs to relax might be signs of chronic stress.

Another response to the high impacts of chronic stress is immune and metabolic dysfunction. For example, it is proven in studies that when we face continuously stressful situations, we are more likely to get sick and are more prone to infections. Elevated cortisol levels create physiological changes that help to replenish the body’s energy stores that are depleted during the stress response. But they inadvertently contribute to fat tissue buildup and weight gain. Additionally, when under prolonged stress, our body metabolizes the food we eat in a way that often leads to weight gain, even at the same caloric intake.

How to Counter Chronic Stress

Many people are unable to find a long-term solution to counter chronic stress. Fortunately, there are various techniques to ease the stress response.

Relaxation techniques include breathing exercises, meditations, visualization practices, repetitive prayer, yoga, tai chi and other forms of mindfulness. In recent clinical studies, these practices are shown to improve health markers such as blood pressure.

Physical activity is another excellent way to reduce stress and support healthy hormone function. Taking a brisk walk shortly after feeling stressed and regular exercise such as strength training or yoga improves and deepens breathing, helps relieve muscle tension, strengthens our body and sharpens our mental focus, all of which can induce calm.

Confidants, friends, acquaintances, co-workers, relatives, spouses, and companions provide life-enhancing social support. Our social network helps us cope with chronic stress and crisis and is directly related to our life expectancy.

The term “we are what we eat” is not to be taken lightly. Our diet directly affects our stress levels in every possible way. Early research suggests that certain foods like polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fats and vegetables, may help to regulate cortisol levels. Sugar of any form, on the other hand, weakens the body’s ability to respond to stress.

How Can Eleyva Help you?

Supplementation with proven ingredients in the correct dosage will give you a real advantage when coping with stress and the body’s inflammatory response. 

Ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its stress-relieving properties because of its proven ability to significantly decrease stress and anxiety levels. 

In addition, B vitamins help to maintain a healthy nervous system that allows the body to effectively fight the symptoms of stress, while Chromium helps detoxify the system for optimum health. 

Chemicals in the seeds of Grains of Paradise seem to decrease inflammation, kill certain bacteria, and help burn body fat. 

Rhodiola has long been known as an adaptogen, a natural substance that increases your body’s resistance to stress, fights fatigue and may additionally offer anticancer properties.