The Comparison Between Stress and Your Skin

The Comparison Between Stress and Your Skin

Stress is unavoidable and comes in several forms. To a homeward bound motorist it could be the hassles of heavy traffic and noxious exhaust fumes. To a student it could be the pressure of studying for exams and to a working individual it could be the pressure associated with meeting work related deadlines. Bad relationships are also stressful.

The negative effects of stress not only attacks immune function and all body organs but in several cases, adversely affects the skin. While dermatologists are still debating whether stress actually causes skin disorders, they seem to agree that stress definitely trigger or aggravates skin conditions such as acne hives, eczema, psoriasis, Cesaro, warts, cold sores and blisters.

The adverse impact of stress on immune function also affects skin as the skin is the largest organ which is directly connected to physiological function. Even if stress does not actually show up on your skin as one of the above conditions, it contributes greatly to an increased population of free radicals in the body, which in turn, is known to be a major cause lead to repeated negative facial expressions and the contractions can eventually become permanent frown lines and wrinkles.

The "fight-or-flight" mechanism is the body's built-in way of responding to stress. In times of "fight-or-flight," the flow of blood and nutrients is directed to the areas of the body considered vital for survival and is withdraw from areas considered non-essential, such as the skin.

When this response is frequent, the skin is consistently starved of both blood flow and oxygen and toxic waste removal becomes sluggish. This makes it dull, lifeless, less hydrate and more prone to clogged congested pores and breakouts.

Stress also undermines digestion. Poor digestion is known to adversely affect skin and overall health in two ways. First of all, your body does not absorb all the nutrients from the foods you eat and secondly, undigested impurities tend to accumulate in the body faster that the body can get expel them. This toxic build up finds it's way into the blood stream and may show up as breakouts, blemishes and skin rashes.

Stress may also lead to comfort eating which may lead to weight gain and blemished skin especially when processed foods and those with a high glycaemic index are consumed excessively. It may also encourage poor lifestyle choices such as smoking and the excessive consumption of alcohol that age the skin prematurely.

The appearance of your skin is a reflection of all that goes on in the mind and body. It is very important to manage stress as it is an unavoidable part of living. A well balanced diet, regular exercise and message therapy all help keep the body in balance.

Food Intake To Combat Stress

Food Intake To Combat Stress

Are you stressed out? Are you running on empty? Do you skip meals simply because you never seem to have enough hours in the day to sit down and refuel? If you've answered yes to all three questions, the chances are you're already trapped in a vicious circle of unremitting stress. You may also be relying upon a diet that lacks the types of foods that can actually reduce your stress levels.

The fact of the matter is that certain foods can boost the immune system and act as great stress-boosters. And the good news is that simply increasing one's intake of such food items can have a marked effect on how we cope with the stresses and strains of everyday life.

So, which foods have the thumbs up as stress-busters? Opt for foods containing:

Polyunsaturated Fats (Omega-3 Fatty Acids)

Foods containing polyunsaturated fats help reduce the risk of heart disease, a condition associated with stress. Oily fish, such as mackerel and tuna, are excellent sources of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)

Pantothenic Acid (B5), often dubbed the "anti-stress" vitamin can be found in a wide range of food items including beef, pork, liver, kidneys, fish, fresh vegetables, nuts, whole wheat and rye flour and brewer's yeast. Dandelion leaves are also a good source of Pantothenic Acid!

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C, arguably the single most important anti-stress nutrient, is vital for boosting the immune system. Now, stress is known to deplete the body of this essential vitamin. Fresh fruits, vegetables, (particularly broccoli and new potatoes, cooked in their skins) and fresh herbs are all high in Vitamin C.

Calcium

Calcium is essential for nerve transmission as well as the proper functioning of the heart. And, apart from its various other functions, such as helping the body absorb iron and magnesium, more effectively, calcium has also been shown to aid relaxation and to reduce tension in the body. Good sources of calcium include milk, cheese and yoghurt.

Magnesium

Magnesium acts as a natural tranquilliser. This important mineral can be found in meats, cereals, dairy products, shell fish such as shrimps, fruits, vegetables (particularly spinach and pumpkin), nuts including almonds and cashews, soy beans and, would you believe it, even in chocolate!

Potassium

Potassium is important for the physiological functions of the body that affect stress levels. Foods high in potassium include meats, vegetables, fruits, cereals and milk.

Zinc

Another essential mineral that can help reduce tension in the body, zinc can be found in a number of food items such as beef, chicken, sardines and oysters.

Iron

Iron plays a vital role in the functioning of the nerves and muscles, which, in turn, have a direct impact on how the body copes with stress. Sources of iron include red meats, fish, poultry, cereals, green leaf vegetables, wholemeal bread and egg yolk.

And finally, what to drink (and what not to drink) in order to De-stress.

The irony is that when we're stressed, tired, and tensions are running high, we tend to over-indulge in alcohol and caffeine which, as we all know, only serves to crank up our stress levels! We'd be better off substituting that extra cup of caffeine-laden tea or coffee with natural fruit or vegetable juices, or even a soothing banana "smoothie" or a glass of calcium-fortified soya milk. Herbal teas, such as camomile or dandelion can have an immediate calming effect, in times of stress. And, there's no harm in a glass or two of wine (preferably red and organically produced) provided, of course, that we imbibe in moderation.

Easy Methods To Prevent Stress at Work

Easy Methods To Prevent Stress at Work

This troubled economy has everyone feeling off balance. Layoffs, and budget cuts, have resulted in increased fear and uncertainty regarding job security. So you have the fear of layoff, increased demands, increased overtime due to staff reductions, and pressure to perform to meet rising expectations. This all leads to increased stress and anxiety. All Yoga and Meditation to help you become centered and focused on the present, instead of focused on all of the stressful distractions that surround you.

While some stress is normal and actually desirable, excessive stress tends to wear you out both mentally, emotionally and physically, leading to reduced productivity and health.

First off, don't try to ignore or run away from stress and anxiety. The tendency we all have is
1) to ignore the problem and hope it will somehow go away on it's own, or
2) to run away from the problem, in the hope that we will never have to deal with it. I can assure you that neither of these methods works. Neither of these methods will provide any form of lasting solution, and in fact will certainly make things much worse.

So then, what are you to do?

Take responsibility for your physical health and emotional well being.

Learn better communication skills with co-workers, management and employers to improve relationships and avoid potential confrontations and problems.

Avoid the common pitfalls of making snap judgments, overreacting and losing your temper.

Start by taking care of yourself! Get moving with some form of cardiovascular aerobic exercise about 30 minutes a day will do. This will effectively improve your mood, energy levels, focus and concentration.

Watch what you eat! Make better food choices. Reduce crabs, Eat smaller servings but more frequently. This will even out your blood sugar levels during the day resulting in less stress and irritability.

Reduce alcohol consumption and stay away from nicotine all together. Alcohol is a depressant and nicotine is a stimulant. While both of these may seem to initially reduce stress and provide a sense of calm, the sensation is only temporary. The end result is actually increased levels of stress and anxiety once the drug starts to wear off.

Get more sleep. A lack of sleep will leave you vulnerable to the negative effects of stress.

Use time proven stress reduction techniques. Yoga and meditation provide amazing time proven ways to reduce levels of stress and anxiety.

The Best Ways to Deal With Stress Naturally Without Using Drugs

The Best Ways to Deal With Stress Naturally Without Using Drugs

There are many ways to deal with stress naturally without resorting to drugs. In fact, you will be better off if you can avoid any type of prescription drug for your stress. The natural remedies for stress are much safer and free from dangerous side effects. To deal with your stress effectively, first you need to find out the cause of your stress. The cause may be something that you can eliminate, or it can be something with which you have to live with.

For example, if the cause of your stress is something with your job, then you need to ask yourself if the job is worth your health, what is your option? If you work at a place where you are constantly stressed out day in and day out, is it really worth it to continue working there? You must be really honest with yourself in evaluating your options as your health and perhaps your finance are at stake here.

If you can identify the source of your stress (or the overstress), be it a personal relationship, a job, or even a certain situation that you have no control, evaluate the problems carefully, seek help from others and develop a method to fight the stress. Remember that stress is always around us, there is no such thing as "scot-free" life (unless we're already dead of course). But what we can do is to develop a "stress-proof" life. Just like the watch you're wearing, it's a water proof watch, not water free!

Below are some tips or remedies to help you develop a stress proof life naturally...

1. Learn to breathe through your diaphragm. How? Easy, put your left hand on your stomach and then breathe slowly. You should feel the movement of your hand as your stomach expands. This is the proper way of breathing, just watch how a baby breathes. Proper breathing is essential in making you relax, it helps you focus on relaxation instead of the stress.

2. Eat health diet and exercise regularly. Study has shown that most Americans do not eat a healthy diet and many are overweight. Many doctors believe that stress and depression can be due to vitamin deficiency. The stress that many of us suffer from today may be the result of simply not eating a healthy diet. If you have no idea what food constitutes a healthy diet, just remember these 3 things:
(a) eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits;
(b) eat fish (especially salmon) instead of red meats;
(c) drink water instead of alcohol. Or search the internet for more info.

3. Yoga and Meditation. These natural remedies for stress have been around for thousands of years. Yoga is not just about stretching, doing strange poses, breathing or merely a form of exercise. It's more than that; it is a spiritual practice (not religious) that helps you maintain a fine balance between work and a healthy mind. Meditation is the process of clearing your mind of negative thoughts and concentrating on nothing. Both are very effective at calming you down and alleviating stress.

4. Self-healing by resting well at night. Our body has a natural self healing mechanism and it works best when we're sleeping. No drugs or medications in the world can beat the natural self healing given by our body. That's why you're always advised to sleep at least 7 hours a day. This is to give your body a chance to perform the process of self healing.

These are just some of the many natural remedies for stress, they are the healthy ways of coping with stress. Learn and act on it and you'll find that you have a more peaceful life.

Stress and Alcohol

Stress and Alcohol

What is alcohol?

Alcohol is a part of many social occasions, from family dinners to parties, to sporting events and nightcaps. The problems associated with alcoholism are well known, but what about the impact of social drinking or a moderate intake of alcohol? Does alcohol belong in our diet, or does the risk that it presents outweigh any benefits that may be derived from consuming it?
Good nutrition can help to improve your health and prevent diseases. The essential nutrients that your body needs are carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. The term "essential" means that if you remove one of these nutrients from your diet there will be a deficiency that causes health problems.

Alcohol would not fall under the category of essential nutrients because there is no problem or disease state if you do not consume it. However, some argue that there are added health benefits from consuming alcohol and argue that it should be added to our diets for that reason.
The key to determining whether you need alcohol is to understand what alcohol is and how it is processed in your body. Calories provide energy for our bodies to function. We get calories from carbohydrates, protein, fat, and alcohol. For each gram, you get a set number of calories.

1 gram	Calories
Carbohydrates	4
Protein	4
Fat	9
Alcohol	7

The vitamin, mineral, and water content add to the nutritional value for each of these nutrients but do not provide any calories. The key to a healthy diet is to spend your calories on foods that provide a variety of vitamins and minerals without a lot of calories. Alcohol can do the exact opposite of this. It doesn't provide a lot of vitamins and minerals and you can easily get an entire meal's worth of calories from a few cocktails! Alcohol interferes with how your body processes and stores nutrients so the healthy foods that you do eat don't get to do their job.

Many people do not realize that alcohol can be classified as a drug. Under this category, it is the most widely used drug in the world. According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, in the United States, 17.6 million people -- about one in every 12 adults -- abuse alcohol or are alcohol dependent. The majority of the population consumes alcohol moderately or occasionally, but that does not mean that it's not a problem. You do not need to be an alcoholic for alcohol to interfere with your health and life. The potential to become addicted to alcohol is a serious problem that can affect anyone. Alcohol is not an essential nutrient in your diet and limits need to be followed on how much and how often it is consumed.

 Stress and Alcohol

There are many people that believe that an alcoholic beverage is the key to reducing stress. In some ways alcohol does help to loosen a person a bit when they are tightly wound or upset. However, there is a point where alcohol soon becomes a deterrent to the alleviation of stress. In fact, in many cases alcohol can increase stress levels when consumed in large portions. There are many people that may use alcohol as a stress reliever and be doing more harm than good.

However, what they do not realize is that alcohol could be adding to the amount of stress that they experience. This is particularly true for those individuals that are heavy drinkers. For some people, alcohol can change the personality greatly, and for some not in a good manner. This can cause a person to act in ways that can result in more stress for themselves and those dealing with their behavior while under the influence of alcohol. Thus, it is very important to understand how alcohol can affect levels of stress.      

Many people often believe that alcohol is a stress reliever, and there is good reason for this. Alcohol is a sedative that relaxes the central nervous system. Most people are aware that after a few glasses of wine or some other alcoholic beverage they are increasingly mellow. This is the effect of the alcohol on a person’s central nervous system. It is very important to note that people respond to alcohol in different ways. While some people may fall asleep under the influence of alcohol, there are others that may become belligerent or hostile. This type of behavior only increases the levels of stress in a person and causes stress for those that have to deal with this type of behaviour.

Alcohol is a suppressant; however, what many people fail to realize is that alcohol also impairs judgment. The amount of alcohol that will impair judgment varies upon individuals as all people have different tolerance levels for alcohol consumption. Thus, the very alcohol that is consumed to encourage relaxation is also the culprit for increasing stress levels when the alcohol has an adverse effect on a person’s cognitive abilities. It can be very stressful for an individual to try to perform regular activities when he or she is under the influence of alcohol.
People become frustrated with themselves when they think that they can do simple activities such as walk and find that the alcohol will not allow them to do so in a regular manner.

It is also very important to note that alcohol has a stressful effect on the body as well. People that consume large amounts of alcohol on a consistent basis may find that their bodies will begin to show signs of serious stress. This may take the form of liver disease such as cirrhosis which is a hardening of the liver because of excess alcohol consumption. This is a sign from the body that alcohol consumption is playing a very negative effect on body overall. Ceasing the consumption of alcohol is usually required in order to alleviate these symptoms.
Overall, there are a number of ways in which alcohol and stress are interrelated.