9 Signs That Indicate You’re Under Too Much Stress

9 Signs That Indicate You’re Under Too Much Stress

Pamela Bandelaria |Mar 19, 2021

What Are the Physical Symptoms of Stress?

Every person has experienced different forms of stress in their lives. Is it normal to feel stressed? Can we prevent it or make it go away? This article will explain what it is, the different types, causes, and physical symptoms of stress. We also look at how we can identify and manage it, and when to see a doctor.

What is Stress?

Stress is an emotional or mental reaction of the body, characterized as tension or apprehension coming from changes or circumstances. It is a normal reaction, and usually occurs when a person is pushed beyond their limits.

According to the American Psychological Association, around 75% of Americans experience physical or emotional stress. On one hand, stress can be a good motivator for a person to be more productive and get things done. However, it can also be overwhelming when not controlled, affecting your daily life and interfering with daily activities.

What Causes Stress?

There is usually a triggering factor for stress. It can be mild, such as a slight change in schedule, routine, or lifestyle. An example of this is travel, pregnancy, childbirth, or a fight.

Other times, circumstances that are unfavorable or challenging cause stress. These include problems relating to work, money, family, relationships, or health. Examples of this include financial problems, debt, loss of a job, marriage, or illness.

It is important to note that although stress is associated with negative events, not all causes of stress are bad. Sometimes it also comes from good events such as being pregnant and having a baby, or getting a promotion and having more responsibility at work.

Different Types of Stress

There are different types of stress, each of which has its presentation and triggers. The American Psychological Association identifies different types of stress based on the time it occurs. Stress is classified as acute (short-term), acute episodic stress, or chronic (long-term).

Acute and Chronic

Acute stress is a type of stress that lasts for a limited period because of certain changes in the environment. It is usually incidental and disappears after the trigger is removed. Episodic acute stress is characterized as acute stress that occurs more frequently or regularly. These episodes are usually more intense than acute stress. Chronic stress is a type of stress that is lasting and can be present for years or decades.

Physical

Stress can also be classified by type. Physical stress is a type of stress that affects the body. Examples of triggers of physical stress are travel, changes in temperature or environment, and changes such as pregnancy, childbirth, menstruation, or menopause. Traveling can cause physical stress by changing your sleeping and waking hours. Changes in the environment can affect your sleep and wakefulness and also affects your body.

Trauma

A type of stress similar to physical stress is traumatic stress. Traumatic stress is when there is an insult or injury to the body which can lead to physical changes and complications, such as pain, changes in sensorium, or even death. An example of traumatic stress is when a person gets in an accident, gets sick, or undergoes an operation.

Emotional

Another type of stress is emotional stress, which affects the feelings of a person. Triggers of emotional stress include death or losing a loved one, a divorce or breakup, or a fight with a loved one or family member. People with emotional stress may experience symptoms of depression and physical changes, such as weight loss and sleep problems.

Symptoms of Stress

Stressed individuals experience various symptoms. It will display differently in each individual, but there are some common symptoms to look for. These include:

  • Feeling fatigued or tired
  • Digestive issues, such as an upset stomach, stomach ache, or nausea
  • Headaches
  • Muscle pain
  • Chest pan
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Difficultly sleeping
  • Decreased libido
  • Feeling restless or lethargic

How to Identify Stress

Sometimes it may be difficult for adults to identify their stress. It can be hard for children and teenagers, too, especially if they do not know what stress is.

How will a person know that they are already experiencing stress? It usually becomes apparent through certain behavioral cues.

Aside from the physical symptoms, people who have stress experience changes in behavior. These include being moody or easily irritated. They may complain and not enjoy activities that they used to. Their sleeping and eating habits are unusual enough to be noticed by people around them.

Socially, they may isolate themselves, have angry outbursts, and become hostile towards family members or friends.

While there are many physical symptoms of stress, it can show itself in other ways, too.

Stress Management Tips

Stress can occur at different points in every person’s life, so it is important to know how to manage it. First, you need to identify the triggers so you can mentally prepare and anticipate ways to control the stress.

Implement a Positive Outlook

Having a good mindset and positive outlook is a good start to keep stress at bay. To build resilience, it can be helpful to practice meditation techniques and breathing exercises. This centers the body and refocuses the mind, providing clarity. Having calming or soothing activities can also help manage stress.
This can be different for every person. Examples include listening to music, taking a warm bath, or practicing breathing exercises. Focusing on a hobby or interest can also help.

Maintain a Health Diet

Having a balanced diet will also help manage stress. It will help provide energy, and the nutrients from healthy meals can lead to a strong mind and body.

Exercise will also help in reducing stress. It releases hormones that boost happiness and improve a person’s mood. According to the American Psychological Association, almost half of Americans walk or exercise to manage stress.

Do What You Enjoy

Having activities for fun and leisure is also helpful for stress. It is important to rest and take a break once in a while. This is also good to help reset your mind and recharge your body.

Being with a good support group can alleviate stress as well. Connecting with people not only boosts your mood, but also allows people to learn from each other.

Seeing a Doctor

Seeing a doctor for stress is helpful if the person is already feeling overwhelmed, and stress is being experienced persistently or for a long time.

Professional help may also be needed when non-medical techniques to relieve the stress mentioned above do not work. A trained professional is important for giving emotional support, as well as providing guided stress management strategies with expected outcomes.

Stress does not simply go away. It’s important to know when stress should be evaluated by a doctor for treatment and management. This way, stress is less likely to affect a person’s physical and mental health and become destructive to their life.

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Is An Epsom Salt Bath Good for UTIs?

Pamela Bandelaria | March 19, 2021

A Soak Could Help You Find Some Relief Urinary tract infections are one of the most common outpatient consultations in the United States. They are one of the most common causes of fever in the young and elderly and can cause urinary incontinence in women. Yearly, around 250,000 cases of kidney infections or pyelonephritis occur among women in the United States. Costs for the diagnosis and management of urinary tract infections in the United States can reach up to a total of $2-3 billion dollars a year. It might seem like a simple infection, but it can be really costly when you think of it from that scale. It is an essential infection to treat because it can lead to serious complications such as sepsis and renal damage if left untreated. That is why a lot of other remedies are being tested to see if they can alleviate symptoms of urinary tract infections. This article will discuss how Epsom salt baths are good for UTIs, what benefits Epsom salt baths have, and how to prepare an Epsom salt bath. What are Urinary Tract Infections? What are the Symptoms? Urinary tract infections are infections of the parts that serve as the passageway of the urine out of our bodies; this includes the kidney, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Urine is a sterile substance that passes out of our bodies; therefore, the introduction of bacteria can lead to a bladder infection, inflammation, and pus formation that can lead to various symptoms. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include pain and burning sensation while urinating, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, blood in the urine, and abdominal pain. What are Epsom Salts? What Do They Do? Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate is a white, crystalline water-soluble chemical compound that has been used for centuries to treat various illnesses. Epsom salts are commonly used to relieve sore muscles, stiff joints, itching, skin irritation, and sunburn and are used as relief for headaches or foot pain. Its uses in the human body are varied, and it has been found to provide relief for various ailments, which include urinary tract infections. How is an Epsom Salt Bath Good for UTIs? What Benefits do Epsom Salt Baths Have? Epsom salts provide several benefits for treating urinary tract infections. The primary benefit of using Epsom salt baths for bladder infections or urinary tract infections is to relieve pain. Epsom salt baths can help relieve pain and discomfort associated with UTIs. UTIs present with a burning sensation, pain while urinating, and cloudy urine. The warm, calming nature of Epsom salt baths has been shown to help relieve this. [youmaylike] If you soak in an Epsom salt bath, it can be helpful to reduce inflammation as well. Because they are rich in magnesium, they can help cleanse the urinary tract and aid in the healing process. The increased concentration of magnesium sulfate is believed to help change the environment in the urinary tract, which can lead to conditions unfavorable for bacteria to grow. It can help prevent bacteria from growing or multiplying when you soak in an Epsom salt bath and has a disinfectant property. Epsom salt baths can also improve the circulation of blood in the body. It can cause dilation of the blood vessels leading to improved blood flow, which also promotes the passage of cells that help in the body’s immunity. Epsom salt baths provide an overall relaxing and calming experience that can leave you feeling detoxified as well. Are Epsom Salt Baths the Answer to UTIs? Although Epsom salt baths may relieve urinary tract infection symptoms, there is not enough evidence to recommend using Epsom salts over established treatments like antibiotics. Epsom salt baths are currently home remedies that can be adjuncts to treatment but cannot be used to replace the treatment of urinary tract infections with antibiotic medications. In order to treat the infection, you should still take an antibiotic regimen prescribed by your physician. Are Epsom Salt Baths Risk-Free? Do Epsom Salt Baths Have Any Side Effects? Generally, Epsom salt baths are safe and don’t have a lot of serious complications. However, you still need to make sure that Epsom salt baths are safe for you. The most common side effects of Epsom salt baths include allergic reactions. So if you have an allergy to Epsom salt, it is better that you avoid this. It can also aggravate pain or discomfort if you have an open wound or breaks or scratches in the skin. If you have these, stay away from Epsom salt baths to avoid further complications. How Do You Prepare an Epsom Salt Bath? The general way to prepare an Epsom salt bath is to dissolve Epsom salt in warm water. Epsom salt is easy to find and can easily be bought in health and grocery stores. Recommendations include dissolving 1 to 2 cups of Epsom salt in a gallon of warm water to create a water-soak bath. It is important not to put too much to avoid irritation and drying of the skin. Let the Epsom salt dissolve in the water, which can take about a few minutes. If you have a bathtub, you can prepare it to submerge and soak in it. However, this can be done as you shower as well. When you have a bladder infection or a urinary tract infection, you can do a water soak for 15-20 minutes to help relieve symptoms. Rinse after every water soak. This can be done daily or on an average of 2-3 times per week. Doing this soak gives ample time in providing relief until the antibiotics start doing their work and control further growth and multiplication of bacteria, completely eliminating symptoms such as pain. If you think you have a urinary tract infection, consult your physician for an evaluation. Further, you should seek medical attention if you are experiencing any serious side effects from using Epsom salt baths. There are no studies that show that using an Epsom salt bath for UTIs will prevent or cure a urinary tract infection, so it is still important to go to the doctor for proper management. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection.

Follow These 8 Tips to Prevent Balding

Elizabeth Dickson | March 19, 2021

How to Prevent Balding If balding or thinning hair is one of your worries, we have got the solutions for you. In this article, we will chat about the symptoms of balding, the causes, how to prevent balding and how to cope with hair loss. Losing a few strands of hair every day is completely normal, but what do you do when you begin losing more hair than you should? According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), 80 million people in America have hereditary hair loss (alopecia). In addition, according to the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA), approximately 25% of men who have hereditary male pattern baldness start losing their hair before the age of 21. By the age of 50, about 85% of men are bald or have significantly thinner hair. 8 Ways to Prevent Balding If genetics is the reason for your hair loss, there might not be a lot that can be done to prevent it. However, these tips can help slow down or prevent loss if other reasons are causing it: Treat your hair gently and avoid pulling; use caution when washing, brushing and styling your hair. Avoid harsh treatments, such as coloring and perms. Protect your hair from the sun; wear a hat and avoid tanning beds. Quit smoking. Some studies suggest there is a link between balding and regular smoking. Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Avoid hot showers and shampoo that causes scalp irritation. Talk to your doctor or dietician about supplements that may help slow down your hair loss. If you are getting treatments for cancer or taking a medication that causes hair loss as a side effect, speak to your doctor about getting a cold cap or other measures to prevent hair loss. If you try the above tactics and still feel that hair loss is negatively impacting your life, it is important to seek out medical advice. First, talk to your doctor about prescription or over-the-counter treatments for hair loss. Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss. Hair Loss Symptoms Hair loss can look different from person to person, depending on the severity and cause. However, here are some common symptoms to watch for. Slow and Consistent Loss of Hair Starting at the Top of the Head This is the most common form of hair loss. As you age, you can experience thinning of the hair on the top of your head, especially men. In men, this typically looks like a receding hairline or thinning hair or a thinning patch on top of the head. In women, this typically looks like the widening of the part of the hair, along with loss of hair around the forehead. Sudden Loss of Hair It's as if it has become loose from your scalp. Our bodies are extremely sensitive to changes and will work hard to cope with those changes. Therefore, environmental and emotional stress can cause you to lose handfuls of hair at a time. Thankfully, this type of hair loss is typically temporary and will stop once the stressors have been addressed. [youmaylike] Patches of Hair Loss All Over the Scalp With this type of hair loss, hair consistently falls out from the same spot on your scalp. This leaves your scalp with patches or circular spots of missing hair. Not only can this affect the hair on your head, but it can also leave patches of missing hair on your face, such as in your beard or eyebrows. Loss of Both Scalp and Body Hair This type of hair loss is less common than the others. It typically only affects individuals who are taking a strong medication or treatment, such as chemotherapy. The lost hair generally regrows with ease once the treatment has stopped. Causes of Hair Loss There are several reasons why you may experience hair loss, including: Hereditary and genetic factors. Hormonal and systemic body changes. Certain medications and medical conditions. Mechanical stress, such as consistent pulling on the hair. Emotional and environmental factors. Radiation exposure. Some degree of hair loss is entirely normal. Typically, you lose between 50 to 100 strands of hair per day. New hair strands grow at about the same rate, meaning that hair loss isn't generally noticeable until you have exceeded this number.

Top 12 Foods, Supplements and Vitamins for Bariatric Surgery

Krista Bugden | March 19, 2021

Diet for Bariatric Surgery If you have tried everything within your power to lose weight or you have a health condition that prevents you from losing weight, your doctor may suggest bariatric surgery. Frequently called gastric bypass, this type of procedure often involves sealing off the top of the stomach, which decreases the amount of food you can consume and reduces nutrient absorption. As a result, it’s much easier to lose any excess weight. But what should a diet for bariatric surgery include and what can help you recover? In this article, we are going to explore all the foods, supplements and vitamins you might want to consider after your bariatric surgery. Let’s dive in! Post-Bariatric Surgery Diet Tips After bariatric surgery, you need to be cautious about what you consume. It’s recommended to: Drink at least 64 ounces of water each day. Delay drinking anything after a meal for 30 minutes. Eat slowly. Consume protein-rich foods. Avoid alcohol. Limit caffeine. Thoroughly chew each and every bite. Phase 1 Initially, you will be only allowed to consume liquids. This gives your stomach (and body) time to heal and recover. Some of these liquids may include: 1. Broth Broth is gentle and soothing on the digestive tract. In fact, it is frequently recommended for those with digestive issues due to its healing capabilities. Bone broth, in particular, contains protein and various minerals that help with your gut lining, ensuring you obtain adequate nutrition. 2. Unsweetened Juice Added sugars may irritate your stomach and digestive tract. Thus, choose unsweetened juices that naturally contain plenty of vitamins and minerals that can accelerate the healing and recovery process. You can also slowly suck on a popsicle or gelatin that is sugar-free. 3. Decaffeinated Tea or Coffee Caffeine should be avoided due to its stimulatory effects on the digestive system (which can mean you end up absorbing next to no nutrients from your food post-surgery). However, you can try decaffeinated varieties, receiving plenty of antioxidants and other nutrients. 4. Milk Milk can help you obtain adequate calcium and protein. Go for skim or 1% to avoid overloading your digestive system with too much fat. Phase 2 After a week of good tolerability of liquids, you will move on to pureed foods, making your diet a little more interesting! Typically, this means eating about three to six snacks or meals each day, with each meal taking about 30 minutes to consume. Here’s what this stage of the bariatric diet will include: 5. Pureed Fruits and Veggies Fruits and vegetables boost tons of nutrients that your body needs on a regular basis. They also come jam-packed with antioxidant and gut-friendly compounds, helping your digestive tract heal and get back on track post-surgery. 6. Pureed Lean Ground Meat While this might not sound ultra-appetizing, your body needs protein to heal and repair. Protein is the building block of the body, which means it is essential for improving your digestion as you recover. 7. Soft Scrambled Eggs Pureed foods further include soft scrambled eggs! Make sure not to overcook them, as this may make them tricky to eat. 8. Soups You can also enjoy various soups during this second week, allowing you to add variety to your daily diet. [youmaylike] Phase 3 and 4 From here, you can begin introducing soft foods, such as: Ground meat. Flaky fish. Cottage cheese. Rice. Cooked veggies. The following week, if all goes well, you can then introduce solid foods a little bit at a time. Supplements, Vitamins and Minerals Your doctor may further recommend certain supplements to guide your recovery and replace any foods you are unable to eat for the first few weeks. This is essential to prevent nutrient deficiencies and adverse health effects. Some supplements that you may be recommended include: 9. Calcium The intake of 1,200 milligrams to 2,000 milligrams of calcium can help prevent bone loss. This is especially important if you aren’t drinking milk (such as those that don’t tolerate lactose very well). 10. Vitamin D Vitamin D can be taken alongside calcium. It’s recommended to take 800 to 1,000 international units of vitamin D. Alternatively, you can also obtain vitamin D via the sun, which may mean your doctor can recommend sitting outside in the sun for 15 to 20 minutes each day. 11. Vitamin B12 B12 is an essential bariatric vitamin for energy production and is necessary for healing! It also may be hard to obtain initially when consuming only liquids since it is often found in meat and animal products. Aim for 500 micrograms daily. 12. Folic Acid and Iron Your doctor may further recommend folic acid or iron, especially if you are a woman who is currently menstruating. These are commonly lost via your monthly bleed. Yet, with restrictions around what you can eat, they may be hard to replenish, so supplementation may be best. Post-Bariatric Surgery Medications Post-bariatric surgery medications may include: Omeprazole. This prevents ulcers from developing. It is usually recommended to take within the first six months post-surgery. Ursodiol. This helps stop the production of gallstones, which commonly occur after this type of surgery. This medication is also typically taken for at least six months after bariatric surgery. Multivitamins. While technically not a medication, almost every person post-bariatric surgery will be recommended a multivitamin to take in order to prevent nutrient deficiencies, as the initial bariatric diet is quite restrictive. At the end of the day, it is important to follow your doctor’s orders and advice since they know you and your situation best.