The researcher, Hans Seyle first demonstrated the “general adaptation syndrome of stress.” This syndrome is divided into three phases. The first phase is the alarm phase. This is when the person becomes aware that a stressor is present. The typical physical and psychological signs of stress are observed during this phase. After the alarm phase, is the resistance phase. Adaptation occurs in this phase. If the person can adapt to the stress, the effects of the stressor are reduced or eliminated. If the stress continues, the person may not be able to adapt and exhaustion, the third phase of stress, will occur. In the exhaustion phase, illness, disease, and even death can occur if the stressor is not quickly removed.

What happens to the body with stress?

The body’s response to stress can be very complicated and involves interactions of different neurochemical elements. It causes changes in many compounds such as steroid hormones, monoamines, and cortisol. Cortisol is increased under stressful situations and high levels have been shown to impair memory and affect a person’s mood.

Are there any physical signs that I might notice when I am stressed?

Physical signs of a person who is under stress can range from a clenching of the jaw to an increase in upper chest breathing, from increased irritability to increased or decreased eating.

Can stress cause illness?

Researchers have demonstrated that the more stress and anxiety a person has the more illness is present. These can include high blood pressure, heart attack, asthma, and ulcerative colitis (a disease of the gastrointestinal tract). Other negative psychological and emotional states can increase the likelihood of illness, decrease the strength of the immune system, and cause cardiovascular disease. These other psychological or emotional states can include anxiety, depression, anger, and other behavioral disorders.

Can stress cause cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol levels and heart attacks?

Research shows that chronic life stress and anxiety can lead to cardiovascular disease. Animal studies have shown that stress can cause a decrease of oxygen to the heart. It can also cause the blood vessel openings to become smaller and increase blood thickness. All of these factors can increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular and heart disease. Cholesterol levels and lipids (fats) in the blood can also be affected by stress. Researchers have demonstrated that when people are under stressful situations, cholesterol levels can increase. This can lead to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.

Can stress lead to cancer?

It appears that stress may increase a person’s risk of getting cancer. A study in Sweden in July of 1993, demonstrated that people who had serious work-related problems had a 5 times greater chance of developing colorectal cancer. In addition, being unemployed for more than 6 months doubled a person’s cancer risk. Those people, who have had a divorce or have suffered from the death of a spouse, have an increased cancer risk of 50%.

What about my immune system?

The immune system must be functioning at optimum if a person desires to remain healthy. Unfortunately researchers have shown that stress and other negative emotions can weaken the immune system. If a person is exposed to chronic stress, the immune system can weaken within only one year. Researchers have also demonstrated that immune markers (things that indicate immune activity) are decreased in people with stress.

How can I fight stress?

There are many ways to cope with stress. Both medications (drugs) and non-drug approaches can be used effectively. The non-drug approaches to stress reduction include nutrition, exercise, hypnosis, relaxation techniques, yoga, tai chi, transcendental meditation, prayer, as well as many others.

Can stress affect my nutritional status?

A severe stressor can decrease nutrient levels. A study of 66 men engaging in a “hell week” training program had levels of zinc decrease by 33% and selenium by 12%. Magnesium is also usually depleted with stress, leading to deficiencies, which can increase a person’s risk of heart disease (Magnesium is essential for normal heart function). The B vitamins can also be depleted under stressful situations. Therefore, stress can lead to a decrease in a variety of very important nutrients that are necessary for overall health. This is why Supplement Doctors designed their XtraBoost formula to contain all these important nutrients.

What can I use to help replace nutrients that can be lost from stress?

Foods contain many important nutrients that can be depleted by stress. However, many people do not eat appropriately and thus may be deficient or simply may not be able to keep up with the nutrient loss. This is why Supplement Doctors created their XtraBoost Stress and Energy Formula. When a person is under stress they often have a decrease in energy. The special ingredients contained in XtraBoost not only replenish those important nutrients lost from stress but also increase energy. In addition, protein is balanced with carbohydrates for optimal energy production. Therefore, if you were looking to fight stress and increase energy, XtraBoost would be a great tasting supplement for you.

“GIVE YOUR DAY AN XTRABOOST!”