Picture yourself walking along on a nice summer day. All of a sudden, a cool breeze turns into a stiff wind, the skies darken and it starts to pour! This unexpected rainy moment is one way I think of stress – it never seems to come at a good time.
Now, stress in itself is not harmful. In fact, without it, life would be very dull. Stress levels, on the other and, and the way in which a person interprets and copes, can have a profound effect on physical and emotional health.
One of the main reasons stress can produce such damage is due to the hormone cortisol. Whenever we experience stress the brain triggers a chain reaction that ultimately causes the release of this hormone. Too much cortisol has been linked to weight gain, high blood sugar and diabetes, bone loss, immune shutdown, and high blood pressure. Excessive cortisol can frequently lead to increased fatigue, irritability, impaired memory, decreased libido and insomnia.
Clearly, stress management is not a health luxury; it’s a basic minimum requirement. So what can we do? One of my favorite products to reduce stress is called Holy Basil. Holy Basil, also known in Ayurvedic medicine as tulsi) works like an umbrella in our rainy day example – stress may be pouring down but you’re able to keep strolling along.
According to studies, Holy Basil can promote a positive stress response by elevating mood. It has also been found to balance blood sugar, reduce stress eating and weight gain and provide numerous natural anti-inflammatory effects. See 15 Benefits of the Holy Basil (Tulsi).
While there are many good Holy Basil products available my favorite is Super Critical Holy Basil by New Chapter. It is a highly concentrated super-critically extracted full-spectrum extract in an easy-to-swallow softgel. Most people who try Holy Basil tell me they start feeling results within the first few days of trying it.
–Michael Ventresca
As always, please note this information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional.
