How do you measure the amount of stress you are under?  This is a difficult task because it is challenging, even for scientists, to quantify how stress affects people.  And, of course, different people react to the same stress in different ways.  Have you even heard someone say “How can you be so calm at a moment like this?”  Given certain circumstances, some people will “freak out” and others can laugh it off.

What we can’t laugh off is the absolute certainty that stress, no matter how measured, can have a detrimental effect on our health.  There are 50 common signs and symptoms of stress as recognized by the American Institute of Stress (http://www.stress.org/topic-effects.htm) including:

• frequent headaches,
• jaw clenching or pain,
• gritting, grinding teeth,
• tremors, trembling of lips, hands,
• forgetfulness,
• disorganization,
• confusion,
• sweating,
• cold or sweaty hands, feet,
• light headedness, faintness, dizziness,
• feeling overloaded or overwhelmed,
• feelings of loneliness or worthlessness,
• frequent crying spells or suicidal thoughts.

Here are some of the physical manifestations of stress

HAIR: High stress levels may cause hair loss and potentially baldness

BRAIN: Emotional and mental problems may be triggered by excessive stress including insomnia, depression, irritability, anxiety, headaches and personality changes.

SKIN: Acne, eczema, psoriasis and other skin outbreaks can be the result of too much stress.

MOUTH: Mouth ulcers, cold sores (Herpes Simplex I), chronic dryness are signs of stress

HEART: Accumulated stress can lead to Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension.

LUNGS: Symptoms of Asthma can be worsened by heightened stress levels

DIGESTION: Diseases that affect the digestive tract, such as duodenal ulcers, irritable colon, ulcerative colitis, and gastritis, can be aggravated by stress.

MUSCLES: Stress can amplify muscular problems such as lower back pain, musculoskeletal aches, muscles spasms, nervous tics and twitches.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS: Women can be affected by irregular menstrual cycles, recurrent infections and other menstrual disorders.  Men can suffer from impotence and premature ejaculation.

The number of diseases and ailments linked to chronic and prolonged stress is too long to list here but includes depression, heart disease, stroke, GERD, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome and Parkinson’s Disease.

There are a number of online tests you can do to evaluate your level of stress.  4Therapy.com has a number of online self-assessment tests HERE (http://www.4therapy.com/consumer/assessment/)

The “Suicide and Mental Health Association International” have a stress test HERE (http://suicideandmentalhealthassociationinternational.org/stresstest.html)

Once you acknowledge that you under stress and are suffering the consequences of that stress, you must seek out ways to reduce stress.  Meditation is a great way to calm and refocus the mind.  Sites like WildMind.org teach you the basics of meditation for free (http://www.wildmind.org/).  For other ideas on how to reduce stress, visit the American Institute of Stress (http://www.stress.org/topic-reduction.htm)

Linda Miner

Registered Nutritional Counselor

RNC, CHN, RSNA, CMTA, BA

Click HERE to learn more details about my Wellness Services

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*NOTE:  This opinion expressed here is that of the author based on her research and personal experience.  It is not intended to replace your own personal research or the opinion of your physician.  You should always check with your physician and/or pharmacist before changing your diet, starting an exercise programs or taking any supplements.  Please be aware that some foods and natural supplements may interact with prescription medication.