(21-05-13) Stress - The modern poison that is making us fat, bald, crazy and extremely unhealthy

by Carolanne Wright

(NaturalNews) The term stress is tossed around freely in this modern age and
has become a casual buzzword for just about any predicament that we find
unpleasant. Yet how it truly effects health and well-being in substantial ways
is rarely acknowledged. Linked with a range of degenerative diseases from
cancer to diabetes to stroke, stress is a silent poison, sapping us of vitality
and, oftentimes, spirit. Weight-gain, mental illness and hair loss are common
indicators of a life filled with too much stress. Taming this unruly beast
should be a top priority for anyone who values solid mental, physical and
emotional health.

Three stress hormones that wreck havoc on the body
When we are stressed, the body pumps out three hormones: adrenaline,
noradrenaline and cortisol. Each is produced by the adrenal glands and all
three trigger a sequence of:

- Suppressed neurotransmitter activity

- Endocrine system breakdown

- Poor immunity

- Sluggish digestion

These hormones also influence the body's response to stress. If we feel the
urge to fight the perceived danger, aggression, irritability, rage and violence
will be displayed. Flight will trigger avoidance, mental confusion, withdrawal
and fatigue. And fright will lead to states of anxiety, apprehension,
depression and panic.

Mood swings, obsessive-compulsive and bipolar disorders are aggravated by
stress-induced hormonal imbalances as well. These hormones also cause hair loss
and fat accumulation, especially in the abdominal region.

The connection between insulin resistance and stress
As the incidence of chronic stress becomes more frequent, so does insulin
resistance. When we are constantly in a state of 'threat' or 'emergency,' the
body releases glucose to provide fuel for fight or flight actions.
Unfortunately, it isn't truly needed so the pancreas creates a surge of insulin
to deal with the onslaught of glucose. Over time, this cycle exhausts the
pancreas and creates insulin resistant cells. Ultimately, more stress is placed
on the body which perpetuates the pattern. Tiredness, fatigue and exhaustion
set in.

When glucose metabolism becomes inefficient, other organs like the brain,
liver, adrenals, thyroid and gut begin to malfunction due to insufficient fuel.
The development of disease follows, including high blood pressure, arthritis,
kidney failure, neurological problems and ulcers.

With such a slew of health issues rooted in an overstressed system, balancing
the body to break this harmful cycle is extremely important for well-being.

Calming and replenishing the body
Beyond lifestyle changes to minimize stress such as yoga, t'ai chi and
breathing exercises, several supplements are helpful to properly align the
hormonal system and reduce the occurrence of disease.

Progesterone - Encourages the production of dopamine, a feel good
neurotransmitter linked with positive mood, motivation and normal sexual
response. Potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Prevents
water retention which reduces blood pressure. Balances estrogen and
testosterone hormones.

Vitamin D - Stress depletes this vitamin significantly. Maintains proper blood
pressure. Strong antioxidant properties.

Glycine and GABA - Two important calming neurotransmitters.

Tyrosine - Diminished by stress. A precursor to dopamine. Hinders
inflammation.

Zinc and chromium - Important for balanced glucose levels.

B vitamin complex - Calms the nervous system while providing energy.

Inositol - Helps to decrease insulin resistance. Soothes depression, mood
swings, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Also prevents stress related hair loss.

Additionally, the herbs lemon balm, valerian root, passionflower and St.
John's wort along with the amino acid L-theanine show promise in reducing
stress as well.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.progesteronetherapy.com

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-symptoms/SR00008_D

http://www.huffingtonpost.com

http://www.foxnews.com

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16930802

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