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This Knowledge Link is provided by Martino's Supplement Resources, which represents the Unicity Network as an independent distributor. I am a professional Biologist, with personal and professional experience in the use of nutritional supplements to support good health throughout life! Below is a discussion of the negative impact that emotional distress can have on mental and physical health, and how to take effective steps towards stress proofing your well being. You will also be introduced to new, cutting edge nutritional supplements that can support your health through stressful times; help prevent the development of diseases associated with chronic stress; and help you to remain calmer and focused throughout the day! Estimated reading time, about 20 minutes.......
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STRESS! 9/11, Al Queda, Osama bin Laden, Afghanistan, war, sniper attacks, Iraq, Saddam Hussein, chemical weapons, Korea, nuclear weapons, the economy, Trent Lott, the Catholic Church, priests, job security, retirement, bills, crime, violence commuting, gridlock, kids - STRESS!
All of the above are real and can possibly affect us, yet despite the physical and mental state of emergency many of us feel or have felt, we can do little or nothing to directly impact most of the above worries and potential threats. This state of being deserves some serious consideration, due to the impact that longstanding emotional distress can have on our physical and mental health, as well as our very lives....
WHAT IS STRESS, AND WHAT CAN IT DO TO OUR HEALTH?
Stress, in the common sense of the word, is a physical, chemical or emotional factor to which an individual fails to make a satisfactory adaptation, subsequently leading to emotional and physiological tensions that can contribute to dysfunction and disease.
Unresolved stress contributes to disease development because the stress response mechanisms in our bodies shifts organ function to support the well known "fight or flight" response. The fight or flight response is an intense, short term survival mechanism, which is somewhat contrary to long term homeostatic (health maintenance) processes.
Physical Changes That Can Occur Under Stress.
Why is the stress response only suitable for immediate survival reactions and adverse to long term health maintenance? Well, in summarizing what happens in our bodies when we feel stressed, note these significant changes in bodily function: blood sugar elevates, as does blood pressure. Circulating blood triglycerides (a form of fat) increase. Appetite is diminished and gastrointestinal function slows significantly. Heart rate increases. The immune system is altered such that the activity of certain white blood cells is increased, and mechanisms to stop bleeding from possible wounds are enhanced. Muscle tone and tension also increase, and the loss of certain nutrients from the body is accelerated....those are just a few bodily changes that occur to provide for quick responses to danger (1-3).
The Health Impact of Chronic Stress.
When danger is only perceived however, and there is no physical threat to react to, the stress response will still be activated, but there will be no physcial means to bring it to a resolve. If threat perception occurs on a regular basis, the concomitant physical changes induced by the "fight or flight" mechanism can contribute to the development of diet and stress related diseases. Check this out:
Bios Life 2........................Chroma Tone
Chronically elevated blood glucose is further supported by insulin resistance, which keeps blood sugar from being used by non emergency tissues, thus making it (blood sugar) more available for muscles that are tense and ready to act. These two changes, elevated blood glucose and insulin resistance, are characteristic of Type II diabetes. Chronic, unresolved stress may thus contribute to the development of the disease (4-5).
Daily Basics..........Enrich and Thin Chocolate Diet
A chronically suppressed appetite can lead to nutrient deficiencies, and cause your metabolic rate to slow down in order to protect energy reserves. As such, what you do eat is more likely to get stored as fat. Chronic stress can thus contribute excess weight gain and obesity.
Cellular Essentials......................Bios Life 2
The long term elevation of blood lipids (triglycerides, cholesterol, etc.) due to high fat intake and/or chronic stress, can increase your risk of developing atherosclerosis.
Multi Fiber TLC
Continuously altered gastrointestinal function can lead to chronic constipation, nutrient malabsorption, and irritable bowel (3,4).
Immunizen
A stress corrupted immune system can lead to the development of inappropriate or excessive inflammatory reactions and thus contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases, such and lupus and rheumatoid arthritis (6)
MegaMins
Regular, stress induced increases in blood pressure may contribute to long term blood pressure abnormalities. Elevations in blood pressure is achieved through changes in mineral concentrations in the body, mainly through the excretion of magnesium and potassium in the urine, and a subsequent increase in sodium retention. Over the long haul, these mineral imbalances can adversely affect health. Magnesium helps to maintain the electrical stability of body cells, including those in the brain, and is involved in the regulation of the heart beat. Excess sodium retention can lead to fluid retention, which, in turn, increases pressure.
Prostate TLC
With regard to other nutrient losses, the important water soluble vitamin C, and the mineral zinc, can be diminished by chronic stress, due to their roles in the production and metabolism of elevated stress hormones. Zinc is very important to the function of specific components of the immune system, such as macrophages, which attack and engulf invading microorganisms in our bodies. Losses and inadequate intakes of zinc can thus compromise immune response. Zinc also helps to protect the prostate from becoming enlarged due to the effects of dihydrotestosterone, which is made from testosterone by the enzyme 5 alpha reductase. Zinc inhibits the action of this enzyme.
The amino acid derivative, carnitine, which is very important to the health of the heart, is significantly diminished under prolonged stress reactions. Carnitine is involved in the removal of the fatty acids that are elevated in blood under stressful conditions.
CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10, an essential cofactor in many metabolic pathways, can be diminished from the body due to the hypermetabolism associated with stress (Note: Through a study funded by the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, it was recently determinged that CoQ10 slowed the progressive deterioration associated with the early stages of Parkinsons's disease. CoQ10 is also very important to the health of the heart.).
Addtionally, glutamine, an amino acid important to intestinal health, which is stored mostly in muscle, can be significanlty depleted during periods of chronic, unresolved stress. This can adversely impact digestive system health. Loss of this amino acid from muscle storage depots further contributes to muscle wasting while under chronic stress.
Clear Thoughts
Glutamine is also a precursor of gamma amino butyric acid, or GABA, which is a brain neurotransmitter that contributes to relaxation. Once in the brain, glutamine loses a nitrogen containing group to become glutamic acid, which is subsequently converted to GABA. This process involves vitmain B6. In view of glutamine's function in the brain, chronic stress and tension can perpetuate anxiety and mental excitability through decreases in available glutamine....
These are just some of the health anomalies and nutrient losses precipitated by stress reactions....
DIET AND STRESS
Can you compensate for the ill effects imposed by stress induced nutrient losses through diet alone? Likely not. Here's why:
The average American diet is actually an integral part of the underlying cause of the "diet related" diseases, some of which are mentioned above. The reason being that the macronutrient fats, carbs and proteins in our foods are significantly altered due to processing (to enhance taste/sales) and preparation, in such a way as to adversely affect health over time. Likewise, the micronutrient vitamins and minerals that are required as cofactors for the processing of the macronutrients in our bodies, can be significantly diminished from foods during production, processing, storage and preparation. Dig this:
I) The emphasis in the growth and production of vegetables and fruits is on color and shape, not flavor and nutrients. To achieve the ideal appearance as quickly as possible, food crops are often grown in artificially fertilized soils that are chemically enhanced, which can lead to an imbalance of the soil's mineral nutrients; which, in turn, undermines the nutrient content of the crops grown in that soil.
II) Many pesticides applied to food crops interfere with the nutritional contents of the foods.
III) Produce lose vitamins rapidly, starting immediately after harvesting. This occurs because fruits and vegetables are living systems, whose life processes use up vital nutrients that can't be replenished once they are removed from contact with the soil....
IV) Additives used in food processing and preservation can destroy nutrient quality and availability.
V) Grains can lose 80% of their magnesium and many of their B vitamins during milling (the grinding of grains into flour or meal). The outer components of grains contain several important nutrients, which are removed and discarded by the milling process. Though Federal law requires (only) the minimal restoration of lost B vitamins, the minerals lost are generally not replaced.
VI) The heat and pressure involved in canning vegetables can destroy 20-35% of their vitamin A content; up to 80% of vitamin E; and 20% of vitmain B6. Also, up to 30% of the thiamin and 50% of the zinc in canned greens can be transferred to the liquids in which those foods are canned. Consuming the liquids can provide you with those nutrients. Unfortunately however, those liquids are often very high in sodium (Check the label.).
VII) Frozen foods can lose up to 70% of their vitamin E within 14 days of processing.
VIII) Freezing meats can decrease the riboflavin (vitamin B2) content by up to 50%.
IX) Fruits and vegetables can lose more than 50% of their magnesium content when frozen.
X) Lengthy or harsh cooking can significantly diminish the levels of micronutrient vitamins and minerals in foods.
XI) Once a container of fruit juice is opened, it's vitamin C content starts to drop, and is depleted within 14 days (7)......
WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?
In view of the above, it's pretty easy to conclude that the combination of the over consumption of the altered fats, carbohydrates and proteins predominant in American foods; the underconsumption of micronutrient vitamins and minerals that have been depleted from those foods due to processing; and the altered physical processes and nutrient losses induced by the stress response - can lead to some significant disorders of health over a relatively short time.
Some of these disorders may progress to chronic diseases that are somewhat tolerable, though painful and distressing. Certain arthritic conditions, obestiy, and Type II diabetes are examples.
Unfortunately, some stress/diet related illnesses can progress to fatalities. Cardiovascular diseases and cancer are some examples.
All of the disorders arising from the above mechanisms are preventable!
HOW DO YOU PREVENT THOSE DISEASES?
Find a way to avoid worrying about things you can't directly affect, or that have yet to directly affect you. If some event or person COULD possibly affect you, take whatever precautions are reasonable, then fuhgedabowdit!
If you can, use some type of physical activity, such as running, weightlifting, yoga or kickboxing - particularly when you are feeling stressed - in order to bring your body's fight or flight mechanism to a physical conclusion. Then get adequate rest (Always obtain medical clearance before participaing in a physical activity program!).
Drink lots of water. Not soda; not juice - water! Six to eight, 8 oz glasses of water a day is generally recommended. A more accurate means of ensuring adequate water intake is based on caloric intake. If you know about how many calories you ingest each day, take in the same amount of water, in milliliters. If you consume 2500 calories per day, take in 2500 mls, or 2.5 liters of water. Don't let other drinks compromise meeting your water requirements....
Reduce your intake of foods high in sodium and partially hydrogentated and burned up fats. Partially hydrogenated fats are found in almost every bagged, chip type food, and nearly all candies. Burned up fats, carbohydrates and proteins are found in fried protein foods.
And sodium is in everything! Fast foods and frozen microwave dinners are sodium loaded. The maximum amount of daily sodium should be no more than 2000 mg, yet ONE TV dinner can supply more than half that, even dinners like Healthy Choice and other low calorie dinners. Even Subway sandwiches, that the guy on TV supposedly lost over 200 lbs while eating, can provide you with up to 1700 mg of sodium per sandwich! A diet consisting mainly of fast foods, convenience foods and table salt, could easily put your daily sodium intake well over 10,000 mgs! According to the Centers for Disease Control, hypertention, which has been associated with a high sodium intake, is the number one adverse health diagnosis in the Nation!
Furthermore, altered fats can contribute to the development of inflammatory conditions and even certain cancers, particularly if stress is compromising your body's nutrient status and adaptive mechanisms....
So whenever you can, eat fresh fruits and vegetables no more than two days after you buy them. This can help ensure that you get as much of whatever nutrients are left in the fruit or vegetable after harvest.
Also, consume more complex carbohydrates, in the form of whole grain rice, breads and cereals (without added sugars, fats and salt); as well as raw fruits and raw vegetables. Eat multiple servings of these everday.
Additionally, consume a good source of calcium everday. Green vegetables, such as broccoli; low fat and low sugar dairy; as well as tofu and some other soy products are good sources.
Last but not least, SUPPLEMENT! Nutritional supplements can make up for the nutrient losses described above, and thus provide your mind and body with the nutrients they need to cope with life. When your body is deficient in B complex vitamins, vitamin C and certain minerals, such as magnesium, you can feel weak, tired and thus vulnerable. Feeling vulnerable can leave you feeling anxious. Feeling anxious can kick off the stress response and keep the cycle of anxiety and nutrient depletion rolling. You DON'T need that, 'cause that can make you sick. So, eat as best you can, following the general guidlines above, and SUPPLEMENT key micronutrient vitamins, minerals and amino acids - at least!
Some of the Best Supplements Available!
Unicity Network is a subsidiary of the world's largest and oldest research organization devoted to human nutrition. This parent company, Royal Numico, currently owns and oversees GNC and MetRx, but the proprietary supplements available through the daughter company Unicity, are distinct from what's available from those well known supplement companies. These products are all researched and tested for formula effectiveness, including bioavailability (what's acutally absorbed). Some of Unicity's products are patented and actually FDA approved for the conveyance of claims relating to specific health benefits.
So, for personal fortification against stress and diet related disease, click on the "Best-Health" site below. Once there, to help restore and support mental and emotional focus and stability consider:
I) Calmplex 2000: A homeopathic calming agent that's completely non addictive. For those who need to settle down during their daily activities, such as driving and dealing with co-workers and kids, Calmplex 2000 can help to settle the emotional cascade that inappropriately induces the stress response....
II) Clear Thoughts: A product which combines the vitamins, minerals and amino acids required to support the synthesis of the neurotransmitters needed for sustanined concentration, mental clarity and relaxation. There are also herbs in the formula that can protect and support the health of the brain, and stimulate alertness....
Further, the products highlighted in the text above, are SPECIFICALLY designed to address the PHYSICAL problems induced by chronic emotional stress. Check this:
I) Bios Life 2, has received two US patents, for the "Method and Composition for Reducing Serum Cholesterol". Studies at Stanford University and the Cleveland Clinic have shown the fibers in Bios Life 2 to be superior to oat bran, with regard to solubility, and to subsequently decrease low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the so called "bad" cholesterol) significantly, and without any adverse effects.
Bios Life 2 has also been used to improve insulin sensitivity in individuals challenged by Type II diabetes....
II) Cellualr Essentials: A patented formula that has been applied and evaluated at the Linus Pauling Institute, and shown to strengthen the cardiovascular system at the cellular level. It may also help to reverse the build up of atherosclerotic plaques that can lead to heart attacks and strokes....
II) Daily Basics is a complete, protective nutritional support system.
III) Enrich and Thin Chocolate Diet employs a combination of chocolate flavored capsules and a chocolate flavored protein based powder, that provides nutrients, flavor, energy and a fat burning stimulus, to support physical activity and weight loss...
IV) Multi Fiber TLC is a targeting fiber that cleanses and feeds six key areas of the large and small intestine. Multi FIber TLC can help to strengthen the intestinal muscles and improve gastrointestinal nervous system coordination and blood circulation.
Multi Fiber TLC also supports the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria, that synthesize vitamins and detoxifies potential cancer promoting substances in the colon.
V) Immunizen consists of a patented formulation of ingredients that are designed to support and stimualte immune system function.
VI) MegaMins provides your body with minerals that are compromised and excreted under conditions of chronic stress.
VII) Prostate TLC contains saw palmetto and lycopene, which have been shown to be effective in helping to reduce prostate enlargement and prevent benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).
VIII) CoQ10 has been studied for years and shown to be beneficial to heart health. Recently, CoQ10 has shown some promise with regard to slowing the progressive deterioration associated with the early stages of Parkinson's disease.
In addition to the products listed above, the "Best-Health" site highlighted in the link below provides a host of other specialized formulas that are designed to deliver protective health promoting vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (protective plant chmeicals) to your body's cells and organ systems, throughout your natural life cycle!
Click on the "Best-Health" link below, then "Shop Online" on the home page and also on the following page, in order to view the products, as well as a full ingredient disclosure. Don't forget to check out the CUSTOMER SERVICE SECTION on the bottom right corner of the site.
You can also access an extensive Info Center by clicking on the Member Login button of the home page.
Additionally, the Best Health site offers a Health Quiz and a FREE Newsletter, Health and Wealth. The Newsletter summarizes breaking research on diet, exercise and health; plus provides information on building personal wealth. Order the Newsletter now and get a FREE 3 part special report on making money online!
In addition to the Info Center, there's also a Research Center, that's targeted to specific categories such as exercise, weight management and more!
As an added bonus, if you order any product through the Best Health site, you can get an invitation to review and join a premier online matchmaking service for FREE! Voice and photo introductions; a Cupid Matchmaking Service; your own mailbox, and private chatrooms are available. After you order any product, just email your interest in the service. You'll have the option to connect with Asian, Latino and European members as well! All orientations are welcomed.
Martino's Supplement Resources - ENJOY!
References:
1) Fish JA, Fiedman JM. Metabolic Stress. Contemporary Nutrition Support Practice: A Clinical Guide. Saunders Co. Philadelphia, 1998 pp 539-546
2) McCance KL and Shelby H. Stress and disease. Pathophysiology: The Biological Basis for Disease in Adults and Children, Second Edition. Mosby, St Louis 1994 pp 299-322
3) Statakis CA and Chrousos GP. Neuroendocrinology and pathophysiology of the stress system. Ann NY Acad Sci Vol 771, pp 1-18 1995
4) Little RA and Carlson GL. Insulin resistance and tissue fuels. Organ Metabolism and Nutrition: Ideas for Future Critical Care. Raven Press 1994. pp 49-68
5) Mathews DE and Battezzati A. Substrate kinetics and catabolic hormones. Organ Metabolism and Nutrition: Ideas for Future Critical Care. Raven Press. New York 1994 pp 1-22.
6) Moldwater LL and Lowry SF. Interactions among inflammatory cytokines and the classic macroendocrine system in sepsis and inflammation. Organ Metabolism and Nutrition: Ideas for Future Critical Care. Raven Press. New York 1994 pp 119-136.
7) Brewer S. Eating Fit. Macmillam Publishing 1997 pp 56-57
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