Stress is the body's protective response to events perceived as a threat to the body's balance.

A certain level of stress is good for us when it helps us to stay focused or sharpens our reflexes (for example, in situations where we need to defend ourselves), but above a certain limit it can affect our productivity, quality of life and relationships.

Stress affects the physical body, mind and behavior and triggers mainly three types of response:

• 'Fight' or 'foot on the gas' - When we are upset, angry, angry, the stress response is fight or attack;
• 'Running away' or 'foot on the brake' - when you are withdrawn, detached and show minimal energy and emotion;
• "Lock" or "foot on the brake and accelerator at the same time" - when events bring you into shock and you feel helpless. Although you appear very calm on the surface, there's a storm going on inside.

Warning signs can be cognitive, emotional, physical or behavioral

• Cognitive signs: inability to concentrate and judgment, negativity;
• Emotional signs: irritability, mood swings, feeling overwhelmed, loneliness, isolation, sadness, inability to relax, restlessness;
• Physical signs: different types of discomfort;
• Behavioral signs: Emotional eating or lack of appetite, isolation, use of drugs, cigarettes or alcohol to achieve relaxation, nervous tics (red fingernails), neglect of responsibilities.

Causes of stress

When we talk about stress, we often associate it with a busy work schedule or a difficult relationship. But these are not the only situations that cause it.

All circumstances that make high demands or force you to solve problems on the run can be sources of tension, as can positive events such as getting a promotion, getting married or buying a house.

• External causes of stress: major life changes, difficult relationships, work overload, financial difficulties;
• Internal causes of stress: pessimism, unrealistic expectations, perfectionism, lack of flexibility, "all or nothing" attitude;

Stress disorders are twice as common in women as in men

A 2018 study reveals the link between sex-related biological factors and anxiety, emphasizing the interaction between sex hormones and tryptophan/serotonin¹ with anxiety.

Men and women respond differently to tryptophan deficiency. Testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen are important factors in mediating the serotonin response to anxiety by sex.

What is tryptophan?

Tryptophan was discovered early last century in casein protein. L-tryptophan is one of the eight essential amino acids and cannot be synthesized by the body, so it must be supplemented by dietary intake, in amounts between 250 mg/day and 425 mg/day.

The most common sources of tryptophan are oats, bananas, prunes, milk, tuna, cheese, bread, chicken and turkey, peanuts and chocolate. Tryptophan plays a major role in protein synthesis, but it is also a precursor of two important metabolic pathways - quinurenine synthesis (producing NAD+, a coenzyme involved in metabolism) and serotonin synthesis.

Tryptophan also has effects on other neurotransmitters and components of the central nervous system. Dopamine, norephedrine and beta-endorphin increase after oral tryptophan.

By synthesizing serotonin, tryptophan is also involved in modulating the endocrine system and cortisol, as well as prolactin and human growth hormone. To some extent, the availability of tryptophan in the brain can be ensured by a diet higher in carbohydrates and lower in protein.

Clinical trials indicate that tryptophan may be helpful in relieving moderate symptoms of depression, but also in premenstrual dysphoric disorder, mood swings and irritability.

Manhaē Sérénité, emotional balance in any situation

Manhaē Serenity is a natural food supplement developed specifically for women, proven to restore emotional balance and relieve stress from various causes.

Indeed, one of the main components of the product is tryptophan, in a unique combination with magnesium, vitamins B1 and B6, but also with rhodiola, an adaptogenic plant that helps the body fight various aggressions: extreme temperatures, physical and mental fatigue, prolonged effort, bacterial or viral infections.

Also, another component of Manhaē Sérénité is lavender, which studies show to have anti-inflammatory cellular and motor-boosting properties. Lavender is also well known for its properties in reducing anxiety and improving the quality and duration of sleep.

Manhaē Sérénité is part of the range of food supplements Manhaē, developed specifically for women's health and beauty needs.

The range also includes dietary supplements to reduce menopausal symptoms, balance the intimate flora, stimulate peripheral circulation, control weight, stimulate hair growth and improve skin appearance. The products are available on vitavea.ro, as well as in major physical and online pharmacy chains.

¹ tryptophan - an essential amino acid involved in protein biosynthesis, which cannot be synthesized naturally by the body, but must be provided by diet. It is the precursor of serotonin (a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, also known as the 'happy hormone'), melatonin (a natural hormone involved in the alternation of wake/sleep) and vitamin PP (vitamin B3 or niacin, essential for the functioning of the nervous system).