Nutrient and Stress Management

Karuna Singh

doi:10.4172/2155-9600.1000528

Abstract

Stress is a complex phenomenon and each individual has his/her own level of stress tolerance. Exposure to stressors results in a series of coordinated responses often referred to as ‘stress responses’ which are composed of series of reactions in the body including alterations in behaviour, autonomic function, secretion of multiple hormones and various physiological changes in the body. There are several ways to cope up with stress and one good solution is to eat stress fighting and reducing nutrient through food. A nutritious, well balanced diet has powerful stress reducing benefits that improve brain functioning, shore up immune function, lower blood pressure, improve the circulation, and reduce toxins from the body. Some specific nutrients play a very important role in reducing the levels of cortisol and adrenalin in the body and also the stress chemicals that activate fight and flight response. They are complex carbohydrates, proteins (tryptophan, phenylalanine and tyrosine, theanine) Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Magnesium, and Selenium. These nutrients play a very specific and important role in stress management. This review paper aims at eliciting the role of various nutrients and food items in stress reduction and management.

Highlights

Stress is a diverse, complex phenomenon with various components initiating the triggering events and processing the brain to response
Stressors trigger a “crisis-mode” physiological response, after which the body attempts to return to homeostasis by means of an adaptive response
These stressors can be grouped into three broad categories: (i) Psychological stressors based on a learned response to the threat of an impending adverse condition; (ii) Stressors that consist of a physical stimulus and have a strong psychological component; (iii) Stressors which challenge cardiovascular homeostasis [3]

Summary

Introduction

Complex phenomenon with various components initiating the triggering events and processing the brain to response. Stressors trigger a “crisis-mode” physiological response, after which the body attempts to return to homeostasis by means of an adaptive response. The GAS has three distinct phases: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion This leads to various physiological changes in the body. Stressors can be defined as conditions that endanger, or are perceived to endanger, the survival of an individual [3] These stressors can be grouped into three broad categories: (i) Psychological stressors based on a learned response to the threat of an impending adverse condition (fear, anxiety, exposure to a novel or uncontrollable environment); (ii) Stressors that consist of a physical stimulus and have a strong psychological component (pain, foot shock, immobilization); (iii) Stressors which challenge cardiovascular homeostasis (hemorrhage, orthostatic stress/upright tilt, exercise, heat exposure) [3].

Stress and Body Response

Management of Stress through Nutrients

Prolonged effect

Findings

Conclusion