Stress

Stress is the body's adaptive response to real or perceived threats, activating the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight) and HPA axis (cortisol release). Acute stress is protective, but chronic stress maintains elevated cortisol, disrupts sleep architecture, promotes inflammation, impairs immune function, and triggers telogen effluvium hair loss. Chronic stress also depletes magnesium, B vitamins, and vitamin C. Adaptogenic supplements (ashwagandha, rhodiola, holy basil) modulate the stress response, while L-theanine and magnesium support relaxation without sedation.