Are Your Stress Brakes Working?

Your stress response enables you to survive threats.  The problem in today’s world is that many factors are interpreted as stressful and can build up in a person leading to poor mood, depression, and trouble sleeping.  Your brain has natural “brakes” that slow down stress, based on GABA and glycine.  New Canadian research shows that repetitive stress¹ causes GABA systems to not work – causing an excess of stress-related feelings and symptoms that can be hard on your health.

Stress is a normal part of living and can even condition your nerves to be healthier – like a form of exercise.  However, too much stress can leave you feeling agitated, anxious, and wound up, as if driving too fast on residential streets with poorly functioning brakes.  This causes your body to run “too hot,” get inflamed, and experience wear and tear.

The unchecked stress chemicals now bang into your heart and irritate the lining of your arteries, increasing cardiovascular risk.

Balance is key.  Relaxing activities as well as relaxing nutrients can help restore function in your GABA system and put you back on solid footing.  Living year after year with your stress brakes in poor condition leads to many health problems and speeds multiple aspects of aging.