The harmful affects of Stress

Stress factors affecting the mind and body can affect the nervous system in a split second. A person under stress suffers from slow digestion, tensed muscles, pupils are dilated, increased blood pressure, faster breathing and heartbeat, intensely active brain and nervous system, perspiration, and abnormal release of adrenaline in the system. A patient can quickly get rid off these symptoms if stress factors are greatly avoided.

Earlier stage of stress can be reverse back to normal. However, one can still experience difficulty in sleeping, rise in temper, feeling of frustration, being prone to minor illnesses and accidents, and an increase in alcohol intake.

Causes
Stress factors that can affect the body externally are extreme heat or coldness, drugs and chemical intake, inadequate nutrition, exposure to blinding light, noises, x-rays and other form of radiation, bacterial infection, and body pains.

Internal stress factors are feeling of envy, fear, jealousy or hatred.

Home Remedies
Holy basil: Chew 12 leaves of holy basil leaves in the morning and in the evening. These leaves contain an anti-stress substance that is effective in preventing stress completely.

Sage: Pour a cup of boiling over a teaspoon of dry sage leaves. Cover for several minutes then strain. Sweeten with honey if preferred. When using fresh leaves, use a tablespoon of coarsely chopped sage leaves.

Vitamins and minerals: Vitamins A and B, and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium can help reduce anxiety and irritability brought about by stress. Green and yellow vegetables are rich sources of vitamin A. Vitamin B can be found on banana, cashew nut, green leafy vegetables, sprouts and yeast. The pantothenic acid in vitamin B complex can deeply affect the adrenal glands and immune system. Together with vitamin A, they are especially helpful in preventing any onset of stress.

Calcium can be found on almonds, eggs, dairy products, and soybeans. It is a natural sedative that can prevent fatigue, nervousness and tension.

Dates, prunes, seeds, and many fruits and vegetables are rich in magnesium. It is a natural tranquilizer that can help prevent heart attacks.

Regular intake of blackstrap molasses, seeds, sprouts and yogurt can help combat stress. Yogurt alone is rich in vitamins A, B complex and D. It can also help relieve insomnia, migraine and menstrual cramps. Blackstrap molasses, a sugar-refining process by-product, is rich in vitamin B and iron that can prevent anemia and heart diseases.

Calcium-rich foods such as alfalfa seeds, pumpkins, sunflower and sprouts are said to take away the anxiety and listlessness.

Diets
Make a complete lifestyle change by taking a nutritional diet, perform exercises regularly and take adequate rest. It can prevent stress and other related diseases.

Avoid drinking alcohol, coffee, tea, and sodas.

Avoid excessive consumption of salt and sugar.

Quit smoking.

Further Suggestions
Regular physical exercises can make the body physically fit and mentally alert. It can also a form of recreation.

Schedule a recreational activity such as taking holiday break at regular intervals.

Practice a simple yet healthy lifestyle to avoid stress.