Stress: An Introduction

How did the word "Stress" come into being? According to Allan Coxn, the word stress comes from the Latin stringer which means "to make stiff", "tight". In the seventeenth century it meant "state of distress" symbolizing the idea of oppression, hardship, deprivation, fatigue and adversity. From the eighteenth century, it has been a force, pressure or influence acting on a physical object or person. In the nineteenth century, comes the idea that aggressive conditions (stress) can lead to mental or physical ailments (strain). In 1928, Connon considered the term stress (emotional stress, times of stress, stress of excitement) in a sense, both physiological and psychological. Stress is seen as the response to stimulate not only physical but also emotional and mental states. In 1951, Hans Selye emphasized the "General Adaptation Syndrome" or "biological stress syndrome", defining stress as an interaction between strength and resistance to it. Stress is the body in a state of awakening and mobilization, triggering an alarm reaction to the flight, fight or an absence of affirmative action (avoidance of the stressful event or preparing for a stressful situation). The reaction of alarm results in secretion of neurotransmitters (dopamine, acetylcholine) and hormones (cortisol, adrenaline, noradrenaline) and changes in metabolism process. Stress, when it exceeds the adaptive capacity of the individual, lead to imbalances responsible for neuroendocrine, metabolic and lesional disorders. Endocrine imbalances affect thyroid hormones, adrenal (noradrenaline, adrenaline and cortisol) and angiotensin.

Plant nutrients and anti-stress

Competitiveness, social pressures and conflicts are the main source of stress we face everyday without ever giving a second thought on it. We pay a heavy price for this scourge: functional disorders and diseases, decreased work performance and sick leave, medical care and what not. Every negativeness you can witness in yourself is due to high stress level. This is not a physical breakdown, but is a mental breakdown which is much more dangerous than the former disorder as that can lead to another mental breakdown known as depression. Depression is also the cause of most number of suicides being committed all over the world. And if the condition is not that serious then definitely it leads to extreme hatred and loss of self-respect. The person then no longer possesses enough will-power to take even the most trivial a decision. A botanical and nutritional supplementation can help us fight against the deleterious effects of stress. These extracts contain the most important of the reagents useful in creation of anti-stress fluids in our body and keep us in good mood for a longer period of time.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nootropic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stress_(biological)