A state of continual stress wears out the body – due to its effect on the immune response, stress increases susceptibility to illness and slows healing. Stress involves a number of physiological responses, the ultimate aim of which is to restore balance within the body.

• The brain for example regulates the secretion of hormones and the nervous system to ensure that the muscles have enough energy and oxygen to fuel the familiar ‘fight or flight’ response
• Researchers estimate that stress contributes to as many as 80 percent of all major illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, endocrine and metabolic disease, skin disorders, and infectious ailments

The body responds to stress with a series of physiological changes that include increased secretion of adrenaline, elevation of blood pressure, acceleration of the heartbeat, and greater tension in the muscles.

Stress and nutritional deficiencies

The increased production of adrenal hormones is responsible for most of the symptoms associated with stress - it is also the reason why stress can lead to nutritional deficiencies.

• Increased adrenaline production enhances the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to quickly produce energy for the body to use. This response causes the body to excrete amino acids, potassium, and phosphorus; to deplete magnesium stored in muscle tissue; and to store less calcium
• Stress also promotes the formation of free radicals which damage tissues, especially cell membranes

Supplements that can assist with nutritional deficiencies due to stress are multivitamin/mineral combinations, amino acids, melatonin and certain herbs to mention a few.

Cellfood® Longevity and stress

Vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid are inversely associated with high levels of homocysteine, which is an important risk factor for heart disease. By supplementing the diet with these vitamins as contained in Cellfood® Longevity, the deficiencies that result due to stress are alleviated.

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