Stress, burnout, nervousness and anxiety are an increasingly frequent part of daily life. From childhood to old age, we can all experience periods of stress.

We live in a society that imposes speed and impatience on us, where everything has to be done right now: answering emails, attending to children’s needs, taking work calls at all hours, etc. We always want more, and nothing is ever enough.

These situations trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response in reaction to the perceived threat. When these natural responses are excessive, pathological genetic predispositions are activated, giving rise to imbalances in the body that can lead to the onset of physical and psychological disorders. In fact, stress is at the root of many disorders, particularly if it is severe and prolonged.

Stress increases physiological needs. The body needs more energy, oxygen and circulation, and therefore more metabolic cofactors. As a result, the body consumes more vitamins, minerals and amino acids than normal to adapt to this extra physical and emotional demand.

Chronic stress results in increased depletion of basic micronutrients and can exacerbate deficiencies. If a person’s micronutritional status is poor, stress can be a factor in the appearance of other problems such as insomnia, hair loss and weak nails, headaches, and muscle pain, etc., which can lead to a cascade of negative physical and mental effects.