Stress

The term stress defined by biologists an ability to withstand a defined amount of strain on our body, damage or causes the death of a few or many cells. The stress manifested by specific syndrome which consists of all the non specifically induced changes within a biological system. Often the daily demands placed on us, build up and accumulate to a point, where it is impossible to cope with job pressures, family difficulties, financial pressures, deadlines and so on.A stressor may be anything which creates a disturbance or harm. Exposure to heat or cold, environmental toxins, microbial toxins, physical trauma, mental exhaustion, strong emotional reactions. Stress can be brought in by internal conditions such as illness, pain, emotional conflict or external conditions death in the family, financial and many more daily occurrence in our daily life. Stress can also can be caused by allergic reactions, poor diet, nutritional deficiencies, substance abuse or biochemical imbalances in the body. Although a certain amount of stress is normal part of our lives. Prolonged stress can lead to exhaustion and illness along with more serious health problems.More than seventy percent of health problems we deal today are considered stress related. Repeated incidence of stress can interfere with digestion, alter brain chemistry, effect heart rate and blood pressure, effect metabolic and immune functioning. Depressed immune functioning can be associated with many stress inducing experiences and conditions, including bereavement, divorce, loss of job, professional examinations, depression, loneliness and sleep deprivation.According to Ayurved Medicine, an Indian system of medicine Vata prakriti, a person is more prone to stress, depression or any neurological disorder because of his or her biochemical individuality. A Vata (Air) type will usually have emotional psychological natures, emotional tendencies toward fear and anxiety, mentally easily changeable, excitable, indecisive, have good but erratic mental powers. They are good both grasping and forgetting, attachment and detachment, fast at getting emotional and expressing emotions as well as forgetting them. Their minds and senses are sensitive but unsteady. They are more of a solitary nature and have very few friends. They do not make good leaders but they are not good followers either. They are not very materialistic and are not much concerned with accumulations wealth or possessions. They often spend money quickly and easily. Vata individuals are light, small, they are always effected by lower bowel disorders, women with menstrual cramps, constipation, cold hands and feet, dry skin, easily effected by cold wind, these people feel better by taking foods which are opposite to Vata. foods which are sweet and little heavy to keep them to the ground. They require a calming, nourishing diet, food should be warm, heavy, moistening and strengthening.Tastes of foods should be sweet, sour and salty because vata personality tend to suffer from variable digestive power. Care should be taken not to effect the digestive ability, meals should be small, regular, frequent, warm and cooked. Fast food should be avoided. Adrenal glands are responsible for maintaining the balance of many bodily functions by secreting several important hormones. An abnormal adrenal response, either deficient or excessive hormones secretions effect significantly and induce response to stress.The body and mind react to any stress factor. The brain and nervous system become intensively active, pupils dilate, digestion slows down, muscle becomes tense, heart start pumping blood harder and faster, blood pressure increases, breathing becomes faster and hormones such as adrenaline are released in to the system along with glucose from the liver and sweating starts. All these changes takes place in split seconds under the direction of nervous system. If all the stress factors are removed immediately, no harm occurred and all the changes are reversed.Stress in its earlier and reversible stage leads to poor sleep, bad temper, working long hours with less achievement, domestic conflict, repeated minor sickness, accident proneness feeling of frustration, increase in alcoholic intake. It is essential to recognize these symptoms and took remedial measures to over come them.If however stress continuous or repeated frequently, variety of symptoms appear such as dizziness, mood disorders, stiff and sore muscles, headaches, vision problems, breathing difficulties, asthma, allergies, heart palpitation, digestive disorders, blood sugar irregularities, backache, skin, bowel disorders, and sexual disorders.Treatment- practice relaxation and stress management technique- get enough regular hours sleep, avoid sleeping pills- get regular exercise, relaxed muscles mean relaxed nerves- take your time and avoid rushing during eating, working and sleeping- don't be afraid of compromise in stressful situation- identify your fears, and deal with them- learn to laugh, avoid loneliness, meet new people as they are your friends- consider meditation, yoga, prayers, tai chi, biofeedbackDietPatient should adopt an optimum diet which should meet the nutritional demands of stress. If you take diet according to your bio-chemical individuality(prakriti, doshas), it will be more effective, both for prevention and treatment. There are many foods which are helpful in meeting the demands of stress and should be taken regularly. These are yogurt, black strap molasses, seeds sprouts, nuts. Yogurt is rich in vitamin A, B complex and D. It relives insomnia, migraine, and cramps associated with menstruation. The leaves of Basil (tulsi) are highly effective against stress.NutrientsCertain nutrients are beneficial against stress, these are:- Vitamin A and B- B complex- Vitamin C- Calcium - Magnesium - Potassium- Panthogenic acid is specially important- Chavan Prash (a famous ancient Ayurvedic formula)- Ashavgandha (important Ayurved herb)- St. Johns wart- Kava kava, chamomile tea, valerian, peppermint tea and so onIn our clinic we see a lot more people who suffer from acute stress, depression, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, who are run down , physically , mentally and emotionally. We also provides intravenous vitamins, minerals, chelation therapies, boluses, oxygen therapies, panch karma treatment, colonic detoxification counselling and other therapies required to help them out of their stresses, depressions, pains and other disorders.