We all have daily inconveniences, right? Stress is a natural response to the everyday challenges that life brings. But sometimes we have a level of stress that is out of proportion with what we should be experiencing. When this happens, it can pose great dangers to our health. For this reason, finding time to relax is essential. If you relax regularly and still struggle with this issue, our team at Montecito Concierge Medicine can give you the help you need.
What Is Stress?
Stress in biology is thought of in terms of the “flight or fight” response. When your brain perceives a threat, it sends adrenaline coursing through your system, getting you ready to run or do battle, whichever you need to do to survive. When you are nearly constantly in this state, however, or you are unable to relax after a response, it can put tremendous strain on your heart.
What Are the Symptoms?
The symptoms that arise when adrenaline is released into your system includes increased heart rate and breathing, more efficient muscles, contraction of blood vessels and sweating. Most of this may sound pretty good, but too much adrenaline can also lead to insomnia, weight gain, hypertension, damaged blood vessels, headaches, even strokes and heart attacks. In addition, stress also releases cortisol, which increases blood sugar, alters your immune system response, adversely affects fertility and growth, and weakens your immune system. Too much cortisol can also be related to Type 2 diabetes, brain “fog,” memory problems and depressed mood.
Stress Treatment Options
After a full examination, including a cardiovascular analysis to assess the effects of stress on your system, we can put you on a plan that involves treatments and lifestyle changes to help you manage your issue. We have had great success reducing stress with our partners at Sage Infusions. We may also recommend meditation, diet, and exercise. Once you are a Montecito Concierge Medicine member, we will have plenty of opportunities to get to know you and to learn the best way to reduce your stress.
Managing Stress in Santa Barbara, CA
Montecito Concierge Medicine is health care for your whole life, meaning once you put us in charge of managing your stress, you can be confident that we will find the right reduction program for you, and that we will be with you every step of the way to make sure it sticks. To find out more about the many benefits to concierge health care, set up a low-stress 15-minute consultation with our Dr. Alan J. Viglione by clicking below to request an appointment or calling (805) 892-6500.