What is stress?
Psychologists talk about "stress perception" and therefore recognize that stress affects each of us differently. Emotional sensitivity and empathy, as well as self-esteem and self-confidence, play an important role in this perception. A situation appears stressful when we feel we cannot respond adequately to something that is required of us. For example, we have to take an exam, but we believe we haven't had enough time to study, that the subject is too complicated, or that the consequences of failure are too severe; we may therefore feel stressed about taking the exam.
Generally, stress is classified as positive or negative, but without making any precise distinctions between the types. Stress is "perceived" as positive in situations that we welcome but that present a certain challenge, such as the arrival of a new baby, a move, or a job change. We generally welcome these challenges, and the resulting stress is therefore perceived as favorable or exciting. Our brain establishes new neural connections, remains active and resilient. We feel stimulated.
Negative stress, on the other hand, comes in different forms. Emotional shocks such as the death of a loved one, financial worries, challenges at work, or difficult social situations are all associated with negative stress. This, especially when it occurs repeatedly, can lead to disorders such as depression or anxiety. While depression is associated with sadness, loss of interest, and energy, anxiety manifests as tension and irritability.
The health crisis has had a lasting and significant impact on the mental health of the population.
According to a recent study, 15% of French people show signs of depression and 25% of anxiety, an increase of 5% and 12% respectively since the 2020 pandemic. 1 With increased stress, sleep problems and suicidal thoughts have also increased significantly. Prescriptions for psychotropic medications such as anxiolytics and antidepressants have increased. Those most affected by this deterioration in mental health are women, young adults (35 years and younger), and people with pathologies that increase their risk of serious illness.
The body's response to stress
When we feel stressed, our bodies rapidly release cortisol to help us cope. Cortisol is a hormone involved in the fight-or-flight response that evolution has inherited. More specifically, it allows the body to quickly produce more energy so we can immediately respond to the demands of a stressful situation.
While this temporary surge of cortisol doesn't harm us, prolonged and repeated exposure can have a long-term impact on our physical and mental health. Scientists have discovered that the regular presence of stress-induced cortisol can make us more emotionally unstable, more negative, and less resilient in the face of future stressful situations.
Our body's cortisol stress response is designed to prepare us to respond to any infection. However, when this occurs frequently and repeatedly, this protective response leads to increased inflammation, which in turn accelerates the onset and/or progression of disease.
The repeated release of cortisol in response to stress can increase high blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications. Cortisol promotes the presence of free sugars and fats in the blood, which, from an evolutionary perspective, should prepare us for a rapid fight-or-flight response. However, if these additional energy resources are not used instantly, they can increase cholesterol levels and cause blood sugar spikes.2
Stressed people also engage in behaviors they perceive as soothing. They indulge in foods rich in fats and carbohydrates ("comfort foods"), and sometimes consume more alcohol and cigarettes. This then leads to collateral health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and more.
Finally, even our gut microbiota suffers when we're stressed. Scientists refer to this phenomenon as the gut-brain axis. Many people experience diarrhea when they're nervous or stressed. Additionally, pathogenic bacteria find it easier to multiply and thrive in our intestines.
How can we improve our resilience?
Scientists have shown that when we anticipate a stressful situation, feeling positively motivated and supported, it can help us regulate our stress response and therefore produce less cortisol and other stress-related hormones. To find the right balance that promotes positive changes in body and mind, we can use nature's treasures. Plant extracts from certain adaptogenic plants (see "ingredient focus") have a positive impact on our perception of stress. They help us cope and increase our resilience in difficult situations. Furthermore, supporting a healthy intestinal flora with lactic ferments helps improve our overall defenses in times of stress.
Léonie Élie - Doctor of Chemistry from Le Stum Laboratories.
Public Health France, “How is the mental health of the French evolving during the epidemic” 2021. 2Pulopulos et al. “Cortisol response to stress” Horm. Behav., 117, 2020. 3Duran-Pinedo et al. “The effect of the stress hormone cortisol on the […] oral microbiome” npj Biofilms Microbiomes, 4, 2018.
