The number one killer of all people: is it out to get you?

                  What makes ALL of your senses and bodily systems put themselves on high alert? What is the real reason that a heart attack can kill suddenly? Why does this number one killer become the origin of 99% of all diseases carried out in the human body? What is more deadly than cancer, STI's, bullet wounds or even being poisoned?

                            It's often gone misdiagnosed or in many cases undiagnosed. This murder has darkened your doorway a few times if you've lived long enough. What is this killer’s name? Stress.

Did you know that the emotional and physical responses you have to stress are set in motion by a series of chemical releases and reactions?

“Attack of the Adrenals”-A Metabolic Story 



            The ambulance siren screams it’s warning to get out of the way. You can’t move your car because you’re stuck in a bumper-to-bumper traffic jam that reaches as far as the eye can see. There must be an accident up ahead. Meanwhile the road construction crew a few feet from your car is jack-hammering the pavement. You are about to enter the stress zone.

Inside your body the alert goes out.

            "Attention all parasympathetic forces. Urgent. Adrenal gland missile silos mounted atop kidneys have just released chemical cortisol weapons of brain destruction. Mobilize all internal defenses. Launch immediate counter-calm hormones before hippocampus is hammered by cortisol."

            Hormones rush to your adrenal glands to suppress the streaming cortisol on its way to your brain. Other hormones rush to your brain to round up all the remnants of cortisol missiles that made it to your hippocampus. These hormones escort the cortisol remnants back to Kidneyland for a one-way ride on the Bladderhorn. You have now reached metabolic equilibrium, also known as homeostasis.

When a danger finally passes or the perceived threat is over, your brain initiates a reverse course of action that releases a different bevy of biochemicals throughout your body. Attempting to bring you back into balance, your brain seeks the holy grail of "homeostasis," that elusive state of metabolic equilibrium between the stimulating and the tranquilizing chemical forces in your body. If either the one of the stimulating or tranquilizing chemical forces dominates the other without relief, then you will experience an on-going state of internal imbalance. This condition is known as stress. And it can have serious consequences for your brain cells. These chemicals that are released into your body can cause not only nerve damage but also is scientifically proven to make you more vulnerable to many different diseases. But is there a cure?

            After a perceived danger has passed, your body then tries to return to normal. But this may not be so easy, and becomes even more difficult with age. Although the hyper activating sympathetic nervous system jumps into action immediately, it is very slow to shut down and allow the tranquilizing parasympathetic nervous system to calm things down.

            Once your stress response has been activated, the system wisely keeps you in a state of readiness.

·  1

Short-term (acute) stress is usually caused by a temporary situation or emotion that can be resolved quickly, for example, locking the car keys in the car or waiting in long lines. Although the stressful feelings can be very intense, they usually disappear after a short time.

·  2

Long-term (chronic) stress is constant, relentless pressure that can last for months or years. Many situations or conditions can cause chronic stress. Type A personalities or high-pressure lifestyles can be major factors in causing chronic stress. Some people get so used to the stress that they can't even recognize it anymore. Chronic stress predisposes people to higher risks of depression, mental illness, high blood pressure and various other medical conditions.

·  3

Manage your stress by identifying the sources, recognizing your reactions to the stress and changing your behavior. Taking stress management classes  or rescheduling your work and personal lives can be a start to reducing stress. Having a supportive network of friends, family and professionals can also be useful in helping to reduce stress.

·  4

Learn and understand your reactions and behavior resulting from stress. It is so important to recognize your own stress profile and understand your body, mind and reactions to stress. The body reacts in certain physical ways to stress, for example, symptoms like stomach pain, rapid heartbeat, muscle tension and headaches are common complaints.

·  5

Identify the major stressors causing the problems. Knowing the stressors will help you find ways to manage stress. Feeling helpless is a sign of chronic stress. You may feel overwhelmed and fatigued and that you have no control over your life. If left unchecked it can lead to depression. Find ways to eliminate the stressors and talk with your doctor or a counselor to help you cope with your depression.

·  6

Changing your response to stress is a powerful tool for managing stress. Having realistic expectations and understanding what you can and can't do will help you let go of stressful ways of thinking and change your response to stress. Organization and planning ahead of time are ways to help manage stress. Flexibility and patience are keys to reducing stress. Also, putting everything in perspective wil help to reduce anxiety and sttress.

·  7

Reduce stress by incorporating physical activity such as exercising, walking, stretching and breathing techniques into your daily schedule. Learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing will also increase the quality of your life and be a helpful tool in managing stress by relieving tension and calming the mind so that you feel more centered and focused.

·  8

Taking time for yourself or a vacation is important for the mind, body and spirit. Make time for rest and recreation. Get enough of it and treat yourself. Have fun and laughter in your life. Humor is a great form of therapy to reduce stress and decrease the risk of illness and disease.

Read more: How to Manage Stress | eHow.com

       Like I say to them that follow me on twitter @queenesteem: "There is nothing wrong with taking time for yourself. Relax, enjoy the little things and remain fabulous!™"