What Is Stress?

Stress is the body' s response to a threatening condition.  When confronted with stress, the mind tells the body that there is imminent danger and it must fight for its life or flee.  This "fight-or-flight" response is an instinctual process to help insure survival of the species.  In modern society, the stressful event may be a public speech or a deadline rather than a killer yak, but our body responds as if it were in danger of being destroyed.

Stress causes our muscle to tighten, our breath comes more quickly, blood flows more quickly to spread the increased oxygen throughout the body, nausea may set in, and thinking becomes confused.  Once  the stress is alleviated, our body is in a weakened state as it recovers from the adrenaline surge.  Unremitting stress can impair the immune system making it less able to resist the viruses that cause disease and can lead to a constant sense of exhaustion and loss of energy. 

For family care givers, the stress of caring for a loved one under difficult circumstances, and frequently for an extended period of time, often causes physical and emotional symptoms which need to be addressed.

Symptoms of Stress

Stress can manifest itself in a variety of ways.  It is easily confused with symptoms of other problems.  If not managed properly, stress may cause problems that can reduce our overall ability to function effectively.  some common symptoms of stress include, not only those mentioned above, but also:

	frequent headaches
	fatigue
	constipation, diarrhea, problems with urination
	increased use of alcohol, foods, drugs
	withdrawal from family/friends
	difficulty/inability to concentrate
	irritability, hostility
	feelings of nervousness, anxiety
	feelings of inadequacy

Stress Strategies

Stress management is the way we respond and react to the everyday pressures and demands of life.  Developing effective stress management skills are crucial.

	Get enough rest and sleep. Although everyone does not have the same requirements for rest and sleep, the majority of us need at least seven to eight hours per night. Get enough rest and sleep. Although everyone does not have the same requirements for rest and sleep, the majority of us need at least seven to eight hours per night. Get enough rest and sleep. Although everyone does not have the same requirements for rest and sleep, the majority of us need at least seven to eight hours per night.
	Breathing. Deep breathing, when done properly, will relax the body even as it confronts high levels of stress or panic. It is physically impossible for muscles to remain tense when deep, relaxing breaths are taken. Try this: Breath In, Breath Out, Hold Breath and repeat several times.
	Balance work and recreation. Take time out for yourself and do something you enjoy. Consider scheduling a break into your busy day. Schedule for or ten minutes when you will stop working and do something you enjoy.
	Seek out support. Having a network of supportive friends and acquaintances is a vital resource in coping with stress. Sharing and confiding can buffer the stress connected with life's daily hassles. It is important to remember that you are not alone and that others can understand and empathize.
	Organize an mange time effectively. Trying to do too much in too little time is a stress trap. Since you cannot make more time, managing the time you have is vital.
	Learn to laugh! Laughter is truly medicine for the soul. Research has shown that laughter helps the body relax, enhances the immune system, and increases problem- solving abilities. Think about how good you feel after a hearty bout of laughter: You are breathing more deeply, your face and neck are more relaxed, and you feel happier. Make a special effort to look for humor and the lighter side of things. Learning to laugh at yourself, as well as with others.

Stress is a reality of modern society.  Everyone confronts it and everyone must learn how they will live with it.

Stress Formulas

Nature's Sunshine and New Sun Products has a variety of products for the central nervous system.  Below is information on a few of these products: 

Nutri Calm:  Is a key product designed to support the nervous system, especially when under stress.  During times of stress, the body rapidly loses B vitamins.  Nutri-Calm provides generous amounts of these nutrients in a base of herbs known to support optimal nervous system health. 

Benefits:  Soothes frayed nerves by providing healthy doses of the B-complex vitamins.  Helps provide energy, when needed.  Is a source of antioxidant's (vitamin C and lemon bioflavonoid).  Provides other nutrients essential to good health.

Stress-J:  This anti-stress formula provides nutrients to help facilitate proper function of the nervous system.  The formula contains one of the most favored herbs of Europe, chamomile, which is known for its calming effects.  This combination is designed for occasional stress relief.  Also contains:  Passion flower aerial parts. Fennel seed. Feverfew aerial parts. Hops flowers. Marshmallow root extract.

Pantothenic Acid:  Also know as vitamin B5, is a manufactured in part by intestinal microorganisms.  This water soluble vitamin is necessary for proper adrenal function, the conversion of fat and sugar into energy, the maintenance of normal growth and tissue replacement, and the development of the central nervous system.  It works in tandem with the other B-complex vitamins. 

Pantothenic acid is needed to make steroid hormones and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.  The body may need increased amounts of this vitamin when under physical stress.  For best results, take Pantothenic Acid in conjunction with other B-vitamins. 

Pantothenic acid may be need if you have had dental work with the use of novocaine.

Kava Kava:  Is used to help reduce normal anxiety without impairing mental function.  It may help promote more restful sleep in those struggling with occasional restlessness.  Plus, it may help relax muscles.

Stress Relief:  This combination of 14 herbs and natural substances is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support emotional balance and calm a stressed fire constitution. 

The Chinese call this formula an shen, which can be translated to mean "to pacify the spirit."  These herbs may help to nourish the nervous system and subsequently help improve gastric function and strengthen the urinary system.  Its primary nutrients - polygonatum, oyster shell, haliotis shell and fushen - may help support both mental function and the and the cardiovascular system.

Nerve Control:  Is a blend of valerian, passion flower, catnip, hops and wood betony herbs that have a calming effect on the nervous system and have been used for centuries to nutritionally support people with occasional restlessness, anxiety and stress.  Relaxes Irritable Nerves and Muscle Tension.  Supports the Central Nervous System.

Ingredients: Chamomile, Scullcap, Hops, Lady Slipper, Pan Pien Lien (In a base of Calcium Citrate).

There are several mild to serious health problems resulting from impended function of the adrenals due to stress, disturbed hormones, excess hormones, tumors, infection, impaired blood supply and autoimmune diseases. The most common is adrenal stresses caused by physical and emotional stress which may be helped by this formula.

The main herb is Chinese Licorice Root, which is used in the formula due to its potential stabilizing effect and because it is known to not over stimulate the body. Licorice Root may affect the concentration of blood salts and may stimulate and sustain adrenal function (acts as food for the adrenal glands). Licorice Root may induce the adrenal cortex to produce larger amounts of cortisone. Licorice Root acts like cortin hormone and may assist in helping the body handle stress while helping blood sugar levels to remain normal, giving a feeling of well being. Licorice Root may stimulate adrenal function without depleting them.

Siberian Ginseng is a relatively new addition to Western natural medicine, but has quickly gained a reputation similar to that of the better known and more expensive Chinese Ginseng. Though the chemical make-up of the two herbs differs, their effects seem to be similar. Like its Chinese counterpart, Siberian Ginseng is taken to assist in increasing energy and concentration.

The balance of nutrients in this formula is in smaller amounts and is meant to support and uplift the two main herbs in their synergistic effects. Parsley Leaf and Root have been found to support urinary health assists in promoting the flow of bile and stimulating the appetite.