What Are The Major Causes Of Stress?

The Physician's Desk Reference* brings us some interesting facts regarding stress. Some of the major causes may surprise you. Are you at risk? Read on to find out more...

"Life Change Unit" Stress Ratings

Did you know any change - good or bad - means stress; and that the more intense the change is, the greater its impact? A standard scale to rate change and its related stress impact has been developed. Commonly referred to as the LCU Rating (or Life Change Unit Rating), here's what it looks like:

Stressful Event	LCU
Child leaving for college	28
Major change in eating habits	29
Vacation	29
Job promotion	31
Major change in sleeping habits	31
New romantic relationship	32
Breaking up	35
Troubles with co-workers	35
Changing jobs	38
Major change in living conditions	39
Major purchase	39
Troubles with boss	39
Major dental work	40
Injury or illness that hospitalized you or kept you in bed a week or more	42
Marital reconciliation	42
Accident	44
Marriage	50
Major change in health or behavior of family member	52
Miscarriage or abortion	53
Marital separation	56
Job demotion	57
Loan or mortgage foreclosure	57
Decreased income	60
Pregnancy	60
Divorce	62
Death of brother or sister	64
Getting fired	64
Death of parent	66
Death of spouse or child	105

Now that you are aware of some of the LCU ratings, exactly how much stress are you under? Are you experiencing any symptoms?

Stress - Symptoms

There's some conflicting information floating around on the Internet, and elsewhere, regarding stress, but one area seems to be in agreement by all - if repeated, combined, and sustained, stress-causing situations and/or experiences can produce enough stress to make you sick.

Here's a brief list of just some of the symptoms:

• sleep difficulties,
• migraines and headaches,
• neck aches and back spasms,
• heart irregularities,
• digestive problems,
• menstrual problems,
• skin disorders such as hives, acne, and other rashes.

Keep in mind, the above symptoms could also be the result of some other disorder, and as we keep reminding people on our website, your first line of defense is always a visit to the doctor. And, it's also important to pay more attention to what you eat...

Stress And Nutrition

During times of pro-longed stress, one of the first things to go usually is the healthy diet. Most of us have all been here ... "so much to do, so little time" ... and yet, proper nutrition may be one of your best defenses against serious damages to your body during prolonged periods of stress.

According to PDRHealth, "The most that can be said with certainty is that if you undergo a period of severe, protracted stress, or have symptoms of a stress-related disorder, it makes sense to pay extra attention to the way you eat. This is a time when a well-balanced diet is more important than ever. And a well-balanced multivitamin—including the antioxidant group of nutrients: C, E, beta-carotene, and B-complex—might be something to consider as well."

They further state "You can actually intensify the level of emotional stress you experience by eating incorrectly. If you stop eating or eat less, you won't fulfill energy demands or meet nutrient requirements. And if you eat everything in sight, you'll gain weight, which for many people is in itself a source of stress."

The Bottom Line On Stress

The bottom line is, don't treat stress lightly. The worst plan is having no plan at all. Understand the causes, recognize the symptoms, pay attention to your nutrition, and work with your doctor, particularly if you feel your stress is getting out of hand. And please - be kind to yourself. We care about you here at BestLiquidVitamins.com!

Sources/Resources

*PDRHealth - Best Bets When You're Stressed Out

10 Quick Tips For Stress Management

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