Stress is a reaction of the body in its bid to adapt to a difficult or dangerous situation.
According to Dr Peter G. Hanson, author of the book “The Pleasure of Stress”, 80 per cent of diseases are related to stress.
Stress does not exist by itself but is produced by humans according to the way they interpret their circumstances. The same event can affect two people in different ways, according to their reaction or attitude (interpretation) of the problem.
Common reactions to high stress situations include:
1. Pupil dilation
2. Mouth and throat dryness
3. Arteries and veins in the face, arms and hands close causing paleness.
4. Heart accelerates to send more oxygen to the whole body.
5. The suprarenal glands inject a certain amount of cortisone to reduce the inflammation in the body in case of an injury. This is the reason why a highly stressed person has a weak immune system. Cortisone and adrenalin block the T-cells which are produced by the immune system to defend the body from foreign germs.
6. The liver injects a blood coagulant into the bloodstream to prevent a haemorrhage, in case of a severe injury.
7. The bronchi are dilated to absorb more oxygen.
8. Glucose is injected by the liver to give muscles the necessary energy at that moment.
9. Intense sweating occurs in all parts of the body but mainly in the palms of the hands. This gets rid of the excess heat being generated in the body.
10. The whole body is set on a maximum alert status and gets ready to “fight” or “escape” (flight).
When stress is maintained at low intensity, it does not affect the body. On the contrary, it helps the person to be active. We all need a certain amount of stress!The problem comes when it is excessive and for extended periods of time. In this case, it consumes a person’s vital energy and this is what wears away one’s life and stability.
Common warning symptoms of stress
Frequent headaches, accelerated or strong heartbeats, hypertension, muscular aches in the neck, nape or back, anxiety, anguish or a desire to cry, tiredness, fatigue or weakness, insomnia, nightmares, depression or sadness, gastritis, stomach ulcers caused by nerves, allergies or asthma caused by nerves, impotence and frigidity.
To eliminate stress, the following is recommended:
a) Handle thoughts and attitudes correctly. Think positively, adopt positive attitudes. Watch how you interpret circumstances of life. We act and feel the way we think! Reject fear, anxiety, guilt, resentment, sadness, anger, depression etc.
b) An adequate diet rich in nutrients like vitamins B1, B3 (niacin), B5, B6 and B12, C, E and D, folic acid (green vegetables), biotin, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
c) Adequate rest mainly through deep relaxation.
d) Daily exercise. Brisk walks, running, aerobics, swimming at least 30 mins a day.
e) High quality nutritional supplements. Royal Jelly (for more effectiveness, place under the tongue until it dissolves.), Bee Pollen, Aloe Vera Gel, Berry Nectar, Absorbent C, Lycium Plus.
References
1. Google
2. Guide to Natural Remedies for Health and Well-Being by Enrique Garza Gutierrez
Mrs Chima Ejimofor is the lead partner of Infinite Health Consult, and is available for the purchase of FLP high quality nutritional supplements, health talks and wellness seminars. She is based in Lagos, Nigeria. Telephone/WhatsApp: 07033179632, email: infinitehealthconsult@gmail.com
