Home > Conditions / Ailments > Stress / Tension > General Description Possible Causes of Stress Possible Effects of Stress Important Supplements Available Supplements ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Back to Top ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ General Description Stress, sometimes called tension, is any reaction to emotional, physical, social, or mental stimulus. Reaction to stress may manifest in alteration to our thinking, feelings, emotions, physical body, mind, actions, or perceptions. The impact of stress is different for all individuals as some people handle stress better than others. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Back to Top ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Possible Causes of Stress Stress can result from many things: a high-pressure job, relationships, financial problems, loneliness, crowds, and traffic jams, or life changes. Because of the complexity of todays world stress is experienced by everyone at one time or another. Though considered a psychological problem, stress has many real physical effects. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Back to Top ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Possible Effects of Stress The body’s chemical and physical makeup may change, such as increased adrenaline, increased heart beat, increased blood pressure, increased cholesterol levels, change in blood makeup, increased cortisone and cortisol production, and muscle tension. The process of digestion may also be slowed and the formation of free radicals that damage body tissue and cell membranes. Stress may create an environment for other illnesses and conditions to progress, such as appetite changes, fatigue, headaches, irritability, insecurities, memory loss, stuttering, teeth-grinding, cold hands, high blood pressure, shallow breathing, nervous twitches, reduced sex drive, insomnia, gas, indigestion, heart burn, stomach upset, withdrawal, anxiety, panic, and higher risk of heart attack. The body uses and absorbs nutrients at a higher rate when under stress which may create a deficiency, especially of Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Magnesium. Various supplements may be taken to replenish deficiencies as well as assist in general stress reduction. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Back to Top ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Important Supplements GABA is an amino acid that acts as a relaxant and is important for brain function. SAMe is an amino acid that may ease depression L-Taurine is an amino acid that helps protect the brain and heart. Vitamin B Complex are critical to good health and proper function of the nervous system. Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids supports the adrenal gland in its efforts to create anti-stress hormones as well as an antioxidant against free radicals. Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc are depleted and in sever situations deficiencies may cause anxiety, fear and hallucinations. Coenzyme Q10 helps protect the heart and immune system. L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that helps reduce stress and assists in a good nights sleep. Herbs such as Kava Kava, Siberian Ginseng, Chamomile, Valerian, and Ashwagandha help the body to relax while Ginkgo helps aid in brain function and circulation. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Back to Top ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Available Supplements: For More Product Information or Alternative Formats, Click Item Descriptions.