Everyone experiences stress, and in varying amounts and levels. From momentary pings of angst that result from road-rage to your favorite team losing the game, to more ongoing afflictions such as an overbearing boss or problems with your children, stress takes its toll on the body. Knowing to what extent your stress is affecting your body will enable you and your doctor to take preventative actions to protect your health. Taking a cortisol saliva test is the ideal way to gauge just how strong a presence stress is to the physical body.
How the Test Works
Cortisol is a hormone that is secreted by the adrenal glands. It is responsible for many functioning’s of the human body, including the regulation of blood pressure, insulin release, glucose metabolism, immune function and inflammatory response. It has been dubbed the “stress hormone” because it is released into the blood stream when people become stressed. Cortisol is a bit like wine: too much is a bad thing, but in small amounts it has benefits. Small increases of cortisol provide people with quick bursts of energy, as well as heightened memory function. Also, it increases the immune system, helps maintain homeostasis in the body, and lowers one’s sensitivity to pain. The test measures cortisol levels, and will let you know how susceptible you are to associated complications that arrive from stress.
Total Convenience
What with our busy lives, taking time out to see the doctor is inconvenient, as it takes away time from our work and family. When considering a cortisol saliva test, opting for a kit that is mailed to your address is a real-time saver, and in many cases saves you money too (those lab fees can be outrageous). Furthermore, most health insurance policies don’t cover cortisol tests. The kit is extremely easy to use. Once it arrives to your home, simply follow the easy specimen collection instructions, and mail the sample back in the return envelope that will be provided. Once the lab receives the specimen, results are usually available in a week, and are e-mailed to the customer.
Live Life Longer
High levels of cortisol are responsible for sending people to an early grave. In a report by ABC News, the journalist examines how stress is affecting the lifespan of women. High levels of cortisol increase a woman’s risk for developing diabetes, heart disease, bone thinning, cognitive impairment, depression, obesity and fatigue. Knowing where your body stands against its cortisol levels will help the stressed person take preventative action, and such knowledge will enable them to safeguard their health.
Don’t Stress It
Do your body a favor, and give yourself some peace of mind. Order a cortisol saliva test and use the results to develop a game plan to ensure you are in good health, and that you will be around to enjoy those great things in life without the looming shadow of health-threats clouding your good time. Don’t stress it, the test is simple, and knowing where you and your stress stand, will empower you to take control of the situation.
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