Jamar Tejada explains, from a biological perspective, what stress is, its short- and long-term effects, and recommends herbal medicines to help treat the condition
Do you know someone who has never been stressed? Maybe Jesus Christ! It makes no sense, stress is inevitable in our lives and can manifest itself in the most different phases and in the most different ways. Even when we are still children, it can affect us, both when we are not nourished and when we feel pain and are not understood. In adult life it can be associated with heavy traffic, an illness, adapting to a change or even when we have a disagreement with someone close to us. It is an automatic physical response to the most diverse “calluses”, especially since everyone knows exactly where to pinch!
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Whatever the potential or actual threat, it will unleash a cascade of hormones derived from this stress, which will produce well-known physiological changes: the heart speeds up, the muscles tense and breathing accelerates. But exactly how and why these reactions occur and what effects they might have if they occur repeatedly over time are questions that have not yet been explained.
Stress physiology
The threat response is known to begin in the thalamus, a part of the brain that receives and processes information from the senses and alerts the amygdala, the brain’s fear center. These send signals to the motor cortex.
From there, the response message accelerates the nerve pathways to the muscles, which tense up in preparation for action. Another signal from the amygdala goes to the hypothalamus, a part of the brain located above the brainstem. The hypothalamus, in turn, relays the alarm to the nearby pituitary gland, which sends a chemical messenger through the bloodstream to the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys.
In response, these glands secrete a series of stress hormones, the famous adrenaline, which help the body speed up. The adrenal glands also release a second stress hormone, called norepinephrine or norepinephrine, and finally the hormone cortisol. When you are faced with a stressful situation, all three start coursing through your bloodstream, causing various physiological responses.
The stress response
This surge of hormones prepares your body to react to threats. In the event of immediate physical danger, such as a robbery, one responds by preparing to flee or even fight.
Our breathing speeds up as the body takes in extra oxygen to help fuel muscles, where glucose and energy-boosting fats are released from storage sites into the bloodstream. Our senses become latent, such as sight and hearing, making us more alert. The heart beats two to three times faster than normal, blood pressure increases. Some blood vessels narrow, helping direct blood flow to the muscles and brain.
Even our blood is affected. Blood cells (platelets) become stickier, so clots can form more easily to minimize bleeding from possible injury. The activity of the immune system increases, anticipating a possible need to fight wound infections. All our muscles contract, preparing you for action.
Our body is in a state of high alert, prioritizing action, and body systems that are not needed for an immediate emergency are suppressed to focus energy where it is needed, such as the stomach and intestines, which return back in their operations. . The repair and growth of body tissues also slows down.
Is stress always bad?
We need to understand that not all stress is bad. As you can see, the stress response can be extremely useful in times of physical danger or when you have an urgent task to complete. The problem occurs when your body repeatedly experiences the stress response or when the excitement after a terrible trauma never completely dies down. In this situation, the stress response activates earlier or more frequently than normal, putting a strain on the body, a problem related to chronic stress, which can lead to serious health problems, such as hypertension, a major risk factor . coronary artery disease.
Negative effects on the body
Stress acts on the whole body, however, some areas suffer more from the effects of prolonged tension for a long time. Between them:
Brain
Receives higher doses of excitatory chemicals. Therefore, brain activity increases and pupils dilate to improve vision. However, in large doses of stress, blood pressure increases, leading to strokes and aneurysms.
Heart
Heart rate increases and blood pressure increases. Continuous stress causes large rushes of adrenaline, which increase blood clotting and narrow the heart vessels. This increases the chance of a heart attack.
gastric system
Stress changes the acidity level in the stomach. At high doses, this means heartburn, poor digestion, gastritis and even the formation of an ulcer.
Muscles
They receive more blood and oxygen and contract to improve performance. However, the constant tension causes pain, especially in the neck, back and shoulders, and excessive tiredness.
Mouth
Research conducted by Unicamp (State University of Campinas) has shown that stressed people are more likely to develop periodontal diseases, which affect the tissues around the teeth, responsible for their fixation. These diseases can cause the destruction of bone tissue and lead to tooth loss.
Manage stress
Everyone knows that developing positive attitudes through the acquisition of healthy habits and routines reduces stress. It may seem like it’s not that simple, but it is, you just need to want it! Tips for managing stress still include the following steps.
The first step is to not allow excessive activity, problems or even neglect to make you forget your needs! Include activities that are good for you, take a break from responsibilities and recharge your batteries, take a walk in the sun, step on the grass! Surround yourself with positive people who make a difference in your life and laugh at yourself!
Do I need to mention good nutrition? It is obvious that a nourished body will be better prepared to deal with stress than a body undernourished with inflammatory foods. The colorful and truly nutritious dishes are fantastic, thank you! Eat more fruits, vegetables and greens! The rule is basic: avoid salt, sugar, sausages and white flour. That phrase you’ve probably heard several times: “Peel more, discard less!” This is a mantra we should carry forward throughout our lives!
And there’s no point in running away: physical activity plays an important role in reducing and preventing stress! Make physical activity part of your routine. A stationary body becomes more stressed and rusts! Finally, adequate sleep is necessary for the proper functioning of the body and mind. It is during sleep that our body builds itself.
Herbal medicines for the treatment of stress
OK! Do you need extra strength? Are your days too heavy? Various herbal medications can be used to relieve the discomfort experienced by those who are stressed. The benefits are varied, including: calming and relaxing properties that help induce sleep and regulate appetite.
To complement a healthy diet and sport, herbal medicines can also be used, which guarantee the release of endorphins and other substances that increase the feeling of well-being.
I would like to point out that, despite being natural, herbal medicines have adverse effects, they are medicines! Seek professional help from your doctor, pharmacist or nutritionist. Avoid self-medication!
Among the herbal medicines most used to manage stress and which can be purchased in pharmacies, I can mention:
Relora
Patented complex of two extracts, Pheliodendron amurense and Magnolia officinalis, which works to reduce the effects caused by stress and fatigue. The combination also improves mood and increases vigor, prevents weight gain associated with anxiety and binge eating, stimulates physical performance during daily activities and helps regulate sleep.
Passion flower
Derived from passion fruit, it helps control attacks of anxiety and depression. Thanks to the presence of alkaloids and flavonoids, it acts as a non-specific depressant of the central nervous system, resulting in a sedative, tranquilizing and antispasmodic action on smooth muscles.
Melissa
Also known as lemon balm, it is rich in rosmarinic acid, one of the main components responsible for the pharmacological response. The sedative activity is localized at the level of the limbic system, which plays an important role in the control and integration of emotions. It is a tranquilizer also presented as a sleep inducer.
Mulungu
It has a sedative action on the central nervous system and a relaxing action on smooth muscles. It is used as a sedative in nervous agitation and insomnia and as an adjuvant in pain of rheumatic or neuralgic origin. Provides natural sleep, without causing addiction, reducing the time it takes to fall asleep. It is indicated in all cases of insomnia and irritability related to needs, anguish, tension and menopause.
Crataego
It acts on the central nervous system. The bioflavonoids contained in Crataegus are responsible for the vasodilatory effects and sedative action, reducing nervousness and anxiety, helping to improve sleep.
I hope you find your balance. I know it’s not easy, but as I always say: get up and seek help, even in small steps! The important thing is to start!
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
