THE SIDE EFFECTS OF LIFE – Stress!
THE DAILY GRIND
There’s no getting away from it. Stress is around you day and night. 44% of adults report that their stress level has increased in the past 5 years. Although there are stressors almost all people feel, they change from person to person and situation to situation. Take a minute and try to list the top 20 stressors in your life. I’m sure your list will go on and on. More than 54% of people are seriously concerned over the issue.
IT’S NOT ALL IN YOUR HEAD
There are two types of stress. One is internal and makes you feel like you’re going bonkers. These thoughts come from psychological or emotional feelings, like being depressed or worried, or putting pressure on yourself to be perfect. Sometimes even the little things, like daily chores, feeling unattractive or even gaining weight can seriously stress you out.
Other stressors come from external factors, which are forces that you can’t easily control. Examples are a major life event, like worrying about finances, the state of the world, the safety of your kids, and the security of your job. Internal and external stressors can have the same physical and psychological effects. You may have trouble sleeping, lose your appetite or lose interest in daily activities. You may be irritable, have headaches, stomach pains or find that you cry easily. Both external and internal stress can be short term or long term.
WHEN IT ALL GOES HAYWIRE
Stress in any form can have negative effects on your body including:
- Increased or constant anxiety
- Compromised immune system
- Endurance & strength
- Weight & body fat
- Sexual performance
- Sex Drive and motivation
- Blood pressure
- Skin & wrinkles
- Memory
- Depression & low mood
- Body composition
- Metabolism
- Cholesterol LDL/HDL
- Mental Clarity & focus
- Anti-Aging
- Menopause & andropause
THE CORTISOL CONNECTION
Cortisol which is produced by the adrenal glads, is often called the “stress hormone” because of its connection to the stress response. However, cortisol is much more than just a hormone released during stress. The benefits of cortisol include blood pressure management, reduced inflammation and a stronger immune system. This stress-fighting hormone converts protein into fuel when you’re under physical or psychological stress evoked by traumatic events.
Cortisol can help control blood sugar levels, regulate metabolism, help reduce inflammation and assist with memory formulation. It has a controlling effect on salt and water balance and helps control blood pressure. It can help prevent and resolve all of the problems listed here. All of the amazing functions it controls make cortisol a hormone essential to protect overall health and well being.
OH YEAH, TRY THIS
There are people who are told there are other ways to combat stress, no matter the severity of it. They are told to relax, take biofeedback, and eat better. Learn yoga, practice mindfulness and exercise to name a few. There’s the use of passionflower, music, massage, (sure, we can all afford that), limited cell phone and internet, self-hypnosis, sex, hugging, pets, chewing gum, guided visualization, art therapy and gratitude journals. To name a few. Ask how many people follow these suggestions on a regular basis. Uh, not many. Nice thoughts. Just not permanent solutions.
WANT A WAY TO AVOID ALL THIS STRESS AND RELIEVE ITS SYMPTOMS? IT STARTS WITH A CALL TO DENVER HORMONE HEALTH AND AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE STEPHEN GOLDSTEIN M.D.. DR. GOLDSTEIN HAS SPENT YEARS RESEARCHING AND LEARNING ABOUT STRESS AND ITS NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON THE BODY. WITH SIMPLE TESTS, DR. GOLDSTEIN CAN ASSESS HOW MUCH YOUR HORMONE BALANCE IS OUT OF WHACK AND WHAT VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES YOU MIGHT HAVE THAT ARE CONTRIBUTING TO YOUR PROBLEMS. IT’S ABOUT AS STRESSLESS AS IT GETS.
SO CALL NOW OR REQUEST MORE INFORMATION.
