Stress is a natural response of the body to a
perceived threat or danger. It triggers a cascade of biochemical and hormonal
changes in the body that prepares it for a “fight or flight” response. While
this response can be helpful in certain situations, chronic stress can have
detrimental effects on your physical and mental health. Stress is a common
problem that people around the world face on a daily basis. It can
significantly impact one’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, leading to
a multitude of health issues if left unaddressed.
Fortunately, there are many ways to get rid of
stress and bring harmony and balance back into your life as well as several
blood tests available to help monitor stress levels and identify any underlying
conditions that may be contributing to stress.
In this article, we will discuss the hormones
that act on your body when you are stressed, the blood tests which can help you
identify your body’s stress level and some effective ways to manage stress and
live a healthier, happier life.
The Hormones Acting on Your Body
Cortisol
Cortisol is
a steroid hormone that is secreted by the adrenal gland in response to stress.
It is often referred to as the “stress hormone” because it is released in
higher levels during stressful situations. Cortisol helps the body to respond
to stress by increasing blood sugar levels, suppressing the immune system, and
increasing blood pressure. These changes help prepare the body for a fight or
flight response, but chronic exposure to high levels of cortisol can have
negative effects on health, such as weight gain, cardiovascular disease, and
immune dysfunction.
Adrenaline
Adrenaline,
also known as epinephrine, is another hormone that is released during stressful
situations. It is produced by the adrenal medulla and acts on various organs in
the body to increase heart rate, constrict blood vessels, and increase blood
pressure. These changes help the body to respond to stress by preparing it for
physical activity. Adrenaline also helps to release glucose from the liver,
which provides energy for the body to use during a fight or flight response.
Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine,
also known as noradrenaline, is a hormone that is released in response to
stress. It is produced by the adrenal gland and acts on the sympathetic nervous
system to increase heart rate, constrict blood vessels, and increase blood
pressure. Norepinephrine also helps to release glucose from the liver, which
provides energy for the body to use during a fight or flight response. Chronic
exposure to high levels of norepinephrine can lead to hypertension and other
cardiovascular problems.
Dopamine
Dopamine is
a neurotransmitter that is involved in the body’s stress response. It is
produced in the brain and helps to regulate mood, motivation, and reward.
During stressful situations, dopamine levels can be altered, leading to changes
in mood, appetite, and sleep patterns. Chronic stress can cause alterations in
dopamine levels, which can contribute to the development of depression and
other mood disorders.
Endorphins
Endorphins
are neurotransmitters that are released during physical activity, stress, and
pain. They are often referred to as the body’s natural painkillers because they
block pain signals to the brain. Endorphins also help to reduce anxiety and
improve mood. Exercising regularly can help to increase endorphin levels, which
can improve overall wellbeing and reduce stress.
The Blood Tests Available
Cortisol Test
One of the
most common blood tests to check stress levels is the cortisol test. Cortisol
is a hormone that is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress, and
high levels of cortisol in the blood can indicate chronic stress. The cortisol
test measures the amount of cortisol in the blood at a specific time of day,
usually early in the morning when levels are naturally higher.
DHEA-S Test
DHEA-S
(Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate) is another hormone that is produced by the
adrenal glands and is involved in the body's stress response. The DHEA-S test
measures the levels of this hormone in the blood, which may be altered in
response to chronic stress.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A complete
blood count (CBC) is a blood test that measures the different components of the
blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The CBC can
help detect any changes that may indicate physiological stress, such as anemia
or infection.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test
The thyroid
gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism and energy
levels. When the body is under stress, thyroid function can be affected,
leading to changes in TSH levels. The TSH test measures the amount of
thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood, which can indicate whether the
thyroid gland is functioning properly.
Lipid Profile Test
Chronic
stress can also impact cholesterol levels, leading to an increase in LDL
(low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and a decrease in HDL (high-density
lipoprotein) cholesterol. The lipid profile test measures the levels of
different types of cholesterol in the blood, which can indicate whether the
body is under physiological stress.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test
The C-reactive protein (CRP) test measures the amount of CRP in the blood, which is a marker of inflammation. Chronic stress can lead to low-level inflammation in the body, which can have negative effects on overall health. The CRP test can help detect any underlying inflammation that may be contributing to stress levels.
Managing Stress
Given the pervasive levels of stress
in our society, we recognize the need for effective means of support that are
devoid of any side effects. To address this need, we have developed natural
products that provide assistance in managing stress and related issues,
enabling you to regain equilibrium without any unwanted consequences. Our main
products for stress relief are Seren and Cervital A.
Seren has been created specifically for people living in stressful and or anxiety-provoking situations to enable them to better adapt to daily situations. Cervital A has been specially designed to improve mental alertness and mood. It improves the state of alertness and psychological well-being in addition to maintaining cognitive functions and memory. Depending on your particular needs, we suggest taking one or both products to relieve stress. Because our products have been on the market for over twenty years now, we have also seen the trio Morpheus, Seren and Cervital A be the perfect combination to regulate stress levels and sleep patterns, which we call the "Smoothest of Days Trio".
Along with these products, here are also some suggested ways to manage your stress.
Identify the Cause of Stress
The first
step to addressing stress is to identify the root cause of it. This could be a
work deadline, a personal problem, financial trouble, or anything else that is
affecting your peace of mind. Once you have identified the cause of stress, you
can take steps to address the issue head-on and work towards a resolution.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the
moment, without judgment or distraction. It is a powerful tool that can help
reduce stress and boost happiness levels. Mindfulness techniques can be
practiced through various activities such as meditation, yoga, or even
mindfulness walks. Taking a few minutes every day to practice mindfulness can
make a big difference in how you feel.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress and improve mental health. Exercise releases “feel-good” chemicals in your brain, such as endorphins, that can help reduce stress and improve mood. Whether it’s going for a run, hitting the gym, or taking a yoga class, exercise is an important part of reducing stress and feeling better overall. To support exercise efforts, we have created Prometheus which works in depth to achieve cell rejuvenation. It is used as much for aesthetic needs as for restoration of the organism. It is an optimized molecular complex containing an ideal combination, rich in active ingredients and provides a vast number of nutrients necessary for regeneration at all levels of the body.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is crucial for managing stress. Lack of sleep can make stress worse, leading to a vicious cycle that can be hard to break. Make sure you are getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to improve your mood and manage stress. To support you in a good night’s sleep, we have created Morpheus which succeeds effectively and without side effects in promoting sleep and treating nightmares. It also relieves anxiety, treats cramps with its mild pain-relieving effect, and, decreases colic. Having the advantage of the absence of side effects, the product can be taken without worrying about the dizziness sensation induced by certain narcotic drugs. It is suggested to use Morpheus for a period of 15 days, which should suffice for your sleep cycle to regulate.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a
healthy diet is essential for stress management. Your body needs nutrients and
energy to function properly, and a healthy diet can help provide that. Avoid
processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive caffeine, as they can increase
stress levels. Instead, opt for a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits,
vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation
techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and
visualization can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. These techniques
can be done anywhere and at any time, making them easy to integrate into your
daily routine.
Connect with Others
Social
support is crucial for managing stress. Talking to a trusted friend or family
member can help alleviate stress and provide a different perspective on the
situation. Joining a support group or attending therapy sessions can also be
helpful for managing stress.
Take Breaks
Taking
breaks throughout the day can help reduce stress and improve productivity.
Whether it’s taking a 5-minute walk around the office or enjoying a cup of tea,
taking a break can help you clear your mind and refocus on the task at hand.
Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is essential for managing stress and maintaining overall wellbeing. This could be anything from taking a bubble bath to treating yourself to a massage or even just taking a long walk in nature. Prioritizing self-care allows you to recharge your batteries and refocus on what is truly important.
If you are experiencing chronic stress, it is
important to speak with your healthcare provider about testing and treatment
options to help manage stress levels and promote overall wellbeing.