Herbs vs Stress

A variety of predicaments can produce stress: job pressures, family discord, financial problems, traumatic events, injuries, illness. The body’s initial reaction to stress called the “fight or flight” the response, is a natural and healthy reaction in which the adrenal glands prepare the body for impending danger. Problems arise, however, if stress persists. Over time, chronically high levels of stress hormones deplete both nutrient and energy reserves, creating an overall state of exhaustion. What’s more, blood pressure and cholesterol levels may increase, sometimes damaging heart and blood vessels; the stomach secretes too much acid; sex hormones diminish; and the brain becomes starved for glucose (its only energy source), impairing mental ability. All these effects take an additional toll on the immune system, which can become so weakened that the body can muster little resistance to infection and illness.