Stress is any physical or emotional strain on the body or mind. A certain amount of stress is useful as a motivating factor but when it occurs in excess its effect can be very detrimental.

During stress the body's metabolism is increased to deal with the body's preparation for action. This is triggered by the production and secretion into the bloodstream of adrenal hormones. Blood pressure and heartbeat are increased, digestion is reduced, and energy is directed towards the muscles.

Continual stress for prolonged periods can lead to more serious conditions. Digestive disturbances and sleeping disorders are a common result. Fatigue and low levels of energy and stamina are another. The immune system can be jeopardized by the reduction in the production of white blood cells and shrinkage of the thymus gland. This leads to increasing numbers and severity of cold and flu episodes. Because the muscles are raided for protein and the bones are depleted of calcium, there may be muscle and bone problems.

Unrelenting stress can cause the runaway production of cell-destroying free radicals, which must be neutralized by an every-diminishing supply of antioxidants.

Chronic stress can also cause the over-production of our bodies' natural pain-killing endorphins and natural tranquilizers. In large amounts, these body chemicals can become neuro-suppressive and prevent the cells in our nervous system from firing properly.

Many of the disorders related to stress are not a direct result of the stress itself, but a result of nutrient deficiencies resulting from the increased metabolic rate during periods of stress.

Nutritional research has shown that certain nutrients are used up faster than others during stress. They need to be supplied to maintain optimal health.

• B Vitamins:
  The B-Complex vitamins may be the single most important factor for the health of your nerves. All the B-Vitamins are necessary for normal functioning of the nervous system. A B-Complex supplement that contains the individual B's, Pantothenic Acid and Folic Acid is best.
  
  B-Complex vitamins are water soluble and must be supplied on a regular basis since they are not formed or stored in the body in appreciable amounts.
  
  
• Vitamin C:
  The body's need for Vitamin C increases tremendously in times of stress. Since the body uses Vitamin C to detoxify harmful substances formed in the body during stress, greater than normal quantities of the nutrient are lost in the urine at this time.
  
  
• L-Theanine:
  The amino acid L-Theanine promotes non-drowsy relaxation and is a safe component of green tea. It works by increasing the body's dopamine and GABA levels, increasing alpha-brainwaves associated with alert relaxation, and inhibiting the stimulating effects of caffeine.
  
  
• Holy Basil:
  Holy Basil is one of the primary botanicals used in Ayuveda medicine for reducing the negative effects of stress by lowering cortisol production in the adrenal glands. In vitro research shows the ursolic acid in Holy Basil inhibits Cox-2, an inflammatory enzyme. As a powerful adaptogen, Holy Basil helps maintain normal blood sugar levels.
  

We recommend the following products for you to consider in formulating a program to reduce stress and anxiety:

Stress B by Twin Lab Balanced B-50 by Fern's Vitamin C - Fern's Super BioFlav C

L-Theanine by Source Naturals Holy Basil by Planetary Formulas

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