Tag Archives: Stress

Stress Management – Easy and Effective Guidelines

July 28, 2011 12:56 am /

Stress has become one of the silent killers of people in today’s world. There are many different types of stresses that people can suffer from; and these stresses are deteriorating people’s wellbeing to such an extent that they are becoming victims of several physical and mental ailments. Stresses can arise from work, family relations, financial problems, education problems, appearance of the body, physical state of the body, etc. There are so many stresses that is difficult to discuss all of them under one heading.

In simple terms, stress can be defined as the condition when some aspect of the human body – either physical or mental – is aggravated beyond a particular limit. It can have several repercussions on people, such as:-
Feelings of isolation, frustration and depression
Raising the level of the blood cholesterol and blood pressure, which can cause fatal cardiovascular diseases
Lowering the immunity of the body, making it vulnerable to other diseases
Lowering the mental capacity of the person

Since there are different types of stresses and there are different methods to tackle them, let us study them individually.

(1)    Emotional Stress

This is the stress caused due to emotional issues in relationships including conflicts, romantic rejection, separation and even death. The extent of emotional stress depends from one person to another. It all depends on how emotionally balanced the person is.

Emotional stress generally affects the heart and the brain. It can bring about a change in the eating and sleeping patterns of the individual. Most emotionally unsettled people overexert their brain by thinking constantly of the issue.

From an Ayurvedic point of view, emotional stress is placed in the category of Sadhaka pitta vitiation. This is a sub-dosha of the pitta dosha which looks after the functioning of the heart.

The following dietary points can be considered to bring about a reduction in emotional stress:-

#    Eat sweet foods to bring the mind back to a balanced state. Sweet and juicy foods are very beneficial.

#    Every night before going to bed, drink a cup of warm milk with some rose essence and its petals in it.

#    Use cooling spices such as cardamom, coriander and mint in the diet.

#    Get a good head massage done with either coconut oil or with sandalwood oil.

#    Include bitter and astringent foods in the diet.

#    Do not stay up late at night.

(2)    Mental Stress

Mental stress occurs when the person overexerts the mind or uses it in a wrong way. This is also known as negative stress or distress. This is caused due to overwork, planning too much, thinking excessively about something, making destructive schemes or conspiracies, etc. This is a very dangerous type of stress, because in the long run, it would affect all the faculties of the brain and prevent it from functioning properly.

Vata dosha is responsible for mental stress. In particular, the prana vata is responsible. This is the sub-dosha of the vata dosha which is responsible for the normal functioning of the brain.

The following dietary guidelines can help to get relief from mental stress:-

#    Sweet, sour and salty foods must be had as they help in balancing the vata dosha.

#    Milk and dairy products must be included to a fair amount in the daily diet.

#    Preferably, all foods must be cooked in a little ghee.

#    Get a full body massage done, particularly with ksheerabala taila or dhanwantari taila.

#    Get adequate sleep per day, for about eight hours in the least.

(3)    Physical Stress

Physical stress or strain occurs when the body is excessively used, such as by too much exercising or by performing too much hard labor.

Symptoms of this type of stress are pain in several parts of the body, loss in memory and concentration, inability to focus on things, unclear vision, etc.

This is by far the most important of the three types of stresses, as in this all the three doshas can be vitiated. Shleshaka kapha can cause problems in the proper lubrication of the joints and vyaana vata can tamper with normal circulation of blood in the body, along with pitta vitiation. Since vata and kapha are the more affected doshas, steps are taken to balance the vata and to make the kapha stronger.

The following dietary rules can be obeyed to achieve this purpose.

#    Have cooked apples once a day. These are great stress-busters.

#    Other foods that are good for removing physical stress are coconuts, almonds, ghee, milk and almost all dairy products.

#    Massage your own body with oil everyday.

#    Use of the shirodhaara therapy is considered useful. This is done by lying flat on the ground, while a pot full of oil is hung right above. A hole is made in the bottom of the pot such that oil from the hole drips right on the space between the two eyes.

Among the herbs that are generally prescribed for the treatment of all three types of stresses are included arjuna, ashwagandha and brahmi. Their preparations are also very commonly prescribed.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Stress-Management—Easy-and-Effective-Guidelines&id=479466

Posted in: Ayurveda / Tagged: , ,

Causes of Low Libido in Male – Diminished Sex Desire in Men

November 29, 2010 4:56 am /

Condition of low libido or diminished sex desire is less common in males compared to females. It is difficult for any man to accept the fact that he is having lower drive for sex but it can happen to anyone because there are several physical and psychological reasons responsible for it.

The basic reason for diminished sex drive in men is low level of testosterone hormone however lack of production of this hormone in a healthy body is rare but if it happens due to any psychological or physical reason, gives rise to low libido. Lack of production of testosterone shall be treated with herbal supplements for effective alleviation and without side effects.

Stress is a major cause for low testosterone levels in males. In today’s life style where everyone has jumbled daily routine proper sleep and rest are hard to get. Stressful life style promotes hormonal imbalance causing low production of testosterone to reduce desire for sex. Depression is another most common cause for low sex drive. Person suffering with this disorder feels withdrawn and feels as if he does not have enough energy to carry out his normal activities. This leads him into a serious situation of low libido. Depression is also treatable by herbal medicines and shall be taken care of at initial stage to avoid complications.

Certain medicines have also been found to cast a negative effect on testosterone production to cause low libido in males. Commonly used medicines for depression and high blood pressure or certain drugs like cocaine and heroine reduce sex desire. Diseases like diabetes, de la chapel syndrome, adrenalin cortex and genetic disorders also causes low sex drive, proper treatment for the disease is necessary to overcome the problem.

Sexual dysfunctions in males like Premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction may also take away their interest in lovemaking as these situations make them feel embarrassed. The fear of failure and embarrassment push people to avoid getting into a situation where they have to perform lovemaking activity, which slowly reduces their overall desire for sex. Renal and urinary infections may cause discomfort and pain in the genitals which also makes a person loose interest in getting involved in sexual activity. Kidney related problems or UTI infections also promote low libido in males. Persistent pain or any physical problem also takes away the pleasure of lovemaking which pushes sex low on priority list, this situation in the long run cause loss of interest in the activity.

Relationship shall be maintained transparent and communicative for avoiding the situation of low libido occurring unnecessarily. Each partner shall communicate his or her feelings to the other partner and clarify doubts as and when they surface to maintain a proper understanding and transparency in the relation. Sometimes complacency of male partner may push other partner to feel unwanted which promotes lack of interest in love making to diminish the sex desire in both the partners. If there are any issues in the relationship those should be resolved as early as possible because it is almost impossible for a male to get in the lovemaking act if he is not mentally at peace.

Article source : http://EzineArticles.com/?Causes-of-Low-Libido-in-Male—Diminished-Sex-Desire-in-Men&id=4219100

Posted in: Men Health / Tagged: , , , , ,

Stress Related Hair Loss

November 20, 2010 8:29 pm /

One of the reasons for your recent hair loss may be due to stress. They are related. Hair loss is a by product of excessive and intensive physical or emotional Stress. When you are going through a stressful event or period, you may begin to notice that your hair starts to thin and eventually hair loss occurs. In such instances, the hair follicles will stop growing prematurely when the body system incorrectly treats the hair follicles as foreign tissues, thus resulting in thinning of hair and eventually dropping out.

Types of Hair Loss

There are 2 types of stress related hair loss.

1. The scientific term for the more common type of hair loss is called “telogen effluvium”. This type of hair loss prevents the hair from growing and the hair growing process remains dormant for a period or 3-6 months. After which, usually by in a period of 6-9 months, there is a high possibility that the hair will starts to grow back once the single event stress is over. In other cases the hair loss will continue until the stress is fixed.

2. A second and more serious stress related hair loss is known by the scientific name “alopecia areata”. It actually involves the white blood cell attacking the hair follicles, so much so that the hair falls out by large quantity. This could start with a small patch anywhere on your head (it does not necessary starts from the forehead) and ultimately spreads to the entire scalp.

While your hair may grow back on both occasions, it may require additional treatment.
Stress related hair loss is a sure sign that your health or body is unable to withstand the excessive stress.

Stresses Relating to Hair Loss

The following stresses may be one of the causes for hair loss:

a. Disease (such as thyroid gland infection, lupus disorders, diabetes, anaemia)
b. Poor-nutrition. (Especially if your diet contain insufficient of iron and/or protein)
c. Side effects of medications or treatments
d. Emotional Stress (work, lifestyle)
e. Scalp infection.

Whatever the underlying causes are for stress related hair loss, the condition will continue until the cause has been treated or eliminated. Exercises, meditation, yoga and change of job or environment, while common, are the most effective cure to stress related hair loss. The others being medication which may help one relax and stay calm. Understanding the cause of stress related hair loss is important and should lead to finding the cure if not total prevention.

Author -Adam Able; ableadam.com

Posted in: Hair care / Tagged: , ,

Effects of stress

November 17, 2010 11:52 pm /

Stress and depression leads to low body energy level, disturbed sleep and feeling of exhaustion. Sleepless nights and exhaustion can cause dark circles, wrinkles, acne and pimples which make you look unhealthy and unattractive. Stress can also affect liver hindering its process of toxin expulsion.  Thus accumulation of toxins is also a contributing factor for dark circle.

The stress also affects male reproductive system. It causes erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, low sperm count and infertility. Smoking and alcohol consumption exaggerate the effects of stress.

Try to conquer stress through natural ways. Avoid consumption of anti stress medications as much as possible.

  • Learn relaxing techniques like Yoga and Meditation.
  • Attend aerobic classes or take a walk in morning.
  • Make friendship with persons who have positive attitude
  • Keep away from people who create negative energy. Negative energy increases stress.
  • Drink a glass of vegetable juice in early morning. Do not add sugar or salt to it. Do not forget to add a spoon of fresh ginger juice to it. This healthy drink helps to cleanse body and expel toxins.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.
  • Avoid deep fried foods and fast foods.
  • Take a good sleep for 7 – 8 hrs in night.
  • Take long deep breath in between your work.
  • Involve yourself in hobbies which you like. Gardening, painting, listening to music or reading books  help to relax your mind
  • A good body massage with herbal oil help to relax body and mind.
Posted in: Health care / Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Stress and Reproductive System, Fertility

November 8, 2010 1:05 am /

University of California, Berkeley, researchers have found what they think is a critical and, until now, missing piece of the puzzle about how stress causes sexual dysfunction and infertility.

Scientists know that stress boosts levels of stress hormones – glucocorticoids such as cortisol – that inhibit the body’s main sex hormone, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), and subsequently suppresses sperm count, ovulation and sexual activity.

In humans, chronic stress can lead to a drop in sex drive as well as a drop in fertility. Even the stress of infertility treatments can block their effectiveness, as evidenced by many anecdotes about couples conceiving children after the failure of assisted reproduction.

Animal breeding also is affected by stress. Zoos, in particular, have difficulty getting some animals to reproduce in captivity, Bentley said.

Based on animal experiments, researchers attribute much of this stress effect on sexual function to an increase in glucocorticoids – stress hormones – produced by the adrenal gland. In the brain, these glucocorticoids suppress the main reproductive hormone, GnRH, which in turn causes a shut-down of the release of the gonadotropins luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone by the pituitary, and then a suppression of testosterone, estradiol and sexual behavior.

Read complete article at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154116.php

Posted in: Men Health / Tagged: , , ,

Blame stress for shaky gums, common colds

September 17, 2010 3:58 am /

NEW YORK: Stress kills. Its potentially fatal effect on the heart is well documented. But new research suggests that it is probably the reason for everything from decaying gums to common colds.

An article in Observer, the monthly magazine of the Association for Psychological Science, cites new research across psychology, medicine, neuroscience and genetics to conclude that stress is at the root of a whole range of health problems.

Stress encompasses the strains experienced by living organisms in their struggles to adapt and cope with changing environments. When danger is perceived, a chain reaction of signals releases hormones like epinephrine (‘adrenaline’), norepinephrine and cortisol from the adrenal glands.

These hormones kick up the heart rate, increase respiration, and up the glucose levels in the blood — enabling the ‘fight or flight’ reaction. As these responses take a lot of energy, cortisol tells other physical processes — including digestion, reproduction, physical growth and some aspects of the immune system — to shut or slow down.

When the threat passes, the body’s stress thermostat adjusts accordingly.Cortisol levels return to normal and the body resumes its usual functions.

But problems occur when stresses don’t let up, or when, for various reasons, the brain continually perceives stress even if it isn’t really there.

This causes prolonged exposure to cortisol, which inhibits the growth of new neurons and can cause increased growth of the amygdala, the portion of the brain that controls fear and other emotional responses. It also affects the hippocampus, an area that helps form new memories.

Researchers now say these brain changes are at the heart of the link between stress and depression as well as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Besides heart disease, PTSD, and depression, chronic stress has been linked to ailments as diverse as intestinal problems, gum disease, erectile dysfunction, adult-onset diabetes, growth problems, and even cancer.

economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/ET_Cetera/Blame_stress_for_shaky_gums_common_colds/articleshow/2688354.cms

Chronic rises in stress hormones have been shown to accelerate the growth of pre-cancerous cells and tumours; they also lower the body’s resistance to HIV and cancer-causing viruses.

Posted in: Men Health / Tagged: , , ,

Stress on health

September 17, 2010 3:46 am /

hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2005/04/07/stories/2005040701500100.htm

THIRTY-THREE-YEAR-OLD RADHA is your typical middle-class working mother. Mother of two children studying in the third and fifth standards, her worst fear in life is the milkman or the maid not showing up in the morning.

“I have so many things to do in the morning. Cook, clean, dress up the kids, pack lunchboxes, put the kids in the school van, send my husband to work and then myself go to work. I just lose it when something goes wrong,” she says. That is if the milkman or the maid fails to show up, the utensils, the kids and the husband pay the price for it.

Twenty-two-year-old Richard passed out of college a year back. He now works on night shift in a call centre. After a long night dealing with irate credit card users, he longs to get some sleep in the morning. But morning is the time when his house is buzzing with activity.

“I just can’t get sleep in the morning. There is so much noise. Everyone wants to do everything in the morning. So I end up sleeping just five hours a day,” he complains. His workload and lack of sleep have ensured that his temper is always on a short fuse. But anger is the least of his problems; he suffers from everything, indigestion to anaemia.

Meanwhile, 28-year-old Amit, an art director with an advertising agency, has problems of a different kind. Married for two years, his wife was unable to conceive. Worried, Amit and his wife went to a fertility clinic where doctors found that Amit had very low sperm count, coupled with erectile dysfunction.

All three mentioned above — Radha, Richard and Amit — suffer from excessive stress. And today on World Health Day, it is America’s number one and Bangalore’s growing healthcare problem.

There are no reliable numbers available for people suffering from high stress levels in the city, but it is believed that over 75 per cent Americans have “great stress” once a week.

High stress levels lead to a range of health problems in addition to accompanying psychological problems. And the number one source remains job stress, though stress levels have increased in all sections of the society. “We cannot live without stress. Our body is always stressed but it is high levels of stress that lead to various problems. We are stressed while running, but the stress is anticipated. When you have emotional upsets or suppressed anger, then you start doing some real damage to the heart because the strain lasts for a longer time and is repeated over and over again. It hastens build-up of cholesterol in the coronary arteries and weakens the heart muscles,” warns K.S.S. Bhat, Consultant Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, and President of the Indian College of Cardiology.

Though the heart is one of the first organs to be affected by excessive stress, symptoms are first noticed when the behaviour of a person changes. Classic symptoms include insomnia, low energy levels, feeling of inadequacy, decreased concentration levels, social withdrawal, excessive anger, self-pity and tearfulness. Marital relations are often the first to be affected by this drastic change in behaviour.

“Often people come back so tired from work they are reluctant to have sex. But it is interpreted as not liking the partner. Also, as stress levels increase, it leads to impotence. About one-third cases of erectile dysfunction are due to stress. So sex takes a backseat and the relationship suffers,” says Vinod Chebbi, psychotherapist and sex and marriage counsellor.

He also points out to another interesting source of stress that prevents people from enjoying sex:

“In India, there is great stress to become pregnant after marriage. The pressure from relatives often becomes so unbearable that sex becomes an act for just having a child. If it fails, the couple go to the extent of even seeking donor semen or fertility treatment,” says Dr. Chebbi.

Both Dr. Chebbi and Dr. Bhat prefer to relieve that extra stress without medication. Exercise, regular food habits and good time management is the mantra, they say.

“There is nothing like a brisk walk in the morning or evening,” says Dr. Bhat.

And to solve marital stress, Dr. Chebbi advises: “The couple must spend time together. They must get used to each other and enjoy time together. About 95 to 97 per cent of stress-related sex can be treated with just non-drug therapy.”

* * *
Fast lane to perdition

IF YOU’RE one of the lucky few who’ve coped well so far, here are some wicked tips to help you join mainstream society:

Never exercise

Eat anything you want

Gain weight

Take plenty of stimul-ants (nicotine, caffeine and alcohol)

Get rid of your social support system (friends)

Personalise all criticism

Throw out your sense of humour

Males and females alike — be macho

Become a workaholic

Discard good time-management skills

Procrastinate

Worry about things you can’t control (tsunamis, earthquakes and Osama Bin Laden)

Become not only a perfectionist but also set impossibly high standards for yourself

Posted in: Men Health / Tagged: , ,

25 per cent of infertility patients have sexual problems: survey

September 17, 2010 3:22 am /

www.thehindu.com/2006/02/13/stories/2006021315831000.htm

Sexual problems can be both the cause and the effect of infertility and infertility treatments themselves can often cause sexual dysfunction in normal couples, a study by the Indian Institute of  Sexual Medicine of Aakash Institute of Fertility and Research, has shown.

Out of a total number of 5,728 infertility patients surveyed by the institute from 1996 to 2005, 20 to 25 per cent were found to have sexual problems. Among male patients, 89 per cent had erectile dysfunction, 20 per cent suffered from anejaculation, 32 per cent had extreme premature ejaculation, and three per cent reported lower libidos, K.S. Jeyarani Kamaraj, infertility specialist of the institute said while presenting the results of the study during the First International Conference on Sexology organised by the institute here on Sunday.

Among sexual problems causing infertility, erectile dysfunction was found to be the main factor. While factors such as poor sex education, lack of sexual knowledge and conservatism were found to be the cause of unconsummated marriages, urban-life related stress, long working hours/working in shifts and lack of privacy were found to be the cause of infrequent intercourse between couples, she added.

In an interactive session devoted to lots of plain-talking on the myths and realities surrounding sex, renowned sexologist Prakash Kothari said sexual disorders were amongst the most common human disorders.

Anxiety over sexual performance bred a cycle of conflict, hostility, fear, shame and guilt and several myths and misconceptions paralysed sexual response. Masturbation was often found to be a safe sexual outlet as it could avoid unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases and did not result, as was often believed, in impotency.

Conditions such as diabetes and alcoholism affected sexual performance as they resulted in lesser blood flow to the genital organs. Lack of semen did not affect sexual performance and it was a myth to state that celibacy led to increased physical strength.

Another misconception was that the hymen was a proof of a woman’s virginity or that the size of genital organs mattered in sexual performance. Homosexuality and lesbianism were not aberrant sexual behaviour.

Aphrodisiacs may provoke desire but if overdosed, they could also affect performance, he said.

Posted in: Men Health / Tagged: , , ,