It is no secret that for most of us, stress is a fact of life. Businesses lose millions because of employees who are booked off for stress-related issues, sometimes for weeks at a time. Stress can be triggered by the pressures of everyday responsibilities at home or in the workplace. Financial problems also trigger stress, as do events like divorce or the death of a loved one. A traumatic event, such as an accident, a sudden illness, or a robbery, can also elevate your stress levels.

However, not all stress is bad – it is a normal reaction to both good and bad experiences. The stress hormones increase your heart rate, which causes you to breathe more deeply and take in more oxygen, helping you to respond quickly if there is a problem. In the short term, stress can help you cope with a difficult situation. The long term, then, is actually the problem when your stress levels do not return to normal. This can have serious negative effects on your health. Chronic stress can lead to problems like irritability, anxiety, depression, headaches, and behaviours like drug or alcohol abuse, social withdrawal, overeating, or not eating enough. A lack of sexual desire, and a loss of libido – also prominent - can cause major problems in a relationship.

About stress hormones

There are two major stress hormones, namely adrenaline and cortisol. All are produced and released by the adrenal glands in response to stressful situations. Adrenalin is known as the fight or flight hormone, which makes you more responsive and focused when confronted with a sudden stressful situation. Studies, however, have shown that cortisol is the chief of the stress hormones, and the one which can do the most damage. Scientists have known for many years just how harmful elevated cortisol levels can be to the body.

Here are a few of the health problems that too much cortisol can cause:

• Increased heart and breathing rate, which, if you have respiratory problems like asthma or emphysema, will make it difficult for you to breathe.
  
• Your heart may have to work too hard for too long, which may raise your risk of high blood pressure and lead to heart problems.
  
• Over time, cortisol may compromise your immune system, make you more susceptible to infections like colds and flu, and increase the time it takes you to recover.
  
• Your muscles do not get time to relax when you are chronically stressed. Tight muscles can cause back and shoulder pain, as well as body aches.
  
• It may also lead to bouts of anxiety and result in medication with side effects, which can affect sexuality.

More cortisol facts

When cortisol is constantly elevated, the body pumps out cortisol in the form of fat and carbohydrates, for energy, which, because of stress, we may not use.  This nutrient drain leads to hunger pangs, so we eat more, and the excess food is deposited as unhealthy fat in the abdomen, which eventually results in more than usual belly fat. Stress can be a killer, mentally and physically. But with the right attitude and a positive outlook, you can reclaim your life and avoid any curveballs that may come your way. 

We can help

If your libido has taken a knock from anxiety and stress, we can help. Herbal Remedies International have taken some potent natural herbs and developed excellent formulas to help combat issues of low libido. Our products are safe to take and do not need a doctor’s script.

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