What is stress?

Stress is nothing more than a physiological, natural and necessary reaction of the body to cope with all the demands and situations that require adaptation. Situations such as moving house, stressful and hectic work life, family or work commitments, illness, loss, separation, etc. lead to stress, but we often fail to recognise what kind of stress it is.

How many types of stress are there?

There are several types of stress: emotional, chronic, and oxidative stress. Each type of stress has its own characteristics and symptoms.

Emotional stress

Emotional stress, also defined as psychosocial stress, is a condition characterised by the inability to cope with everyday situations that are perceived as social threats. The response to stress is always the same, but the term “emotional” is used to refer to the affiliation of the stressor to the emotional domain or to refer to the emotional symptoms of stress. Typically, this type of stress is not only associated with the family, but also with the work environment. It creates insecurity and severely lowers self-esteem, which affects social relationships.

Our body is a mirror of our emotions. For this reason, a state of emotional stress is usually accompanied by physical symptoms such as headache, tension and muscle pain, especially in the neck area, agitation and restlessness, apathy and lack of energy.

Chronic stress

In normal situations, the emotional stress phase is followed by an energy recovery phase, during which all normal body functions are restored. When this does not happen, and there is an excessive prolongation of the state of anxiety, insomnia and threat, the chronic stress phase begins.

Chronic stress puts the body to the test, depleting resources and causing various symptoms such as headache, muscle tension, hypertension, difficulty concentrating and remembering, disturbed sleep, decreased libido, fatigue, irritability, and gastrointestinal disorders.

Oxidative stress

Oxidative stress is a set of changes that occur in tissues, cells and macromolecules of the body when they are exposed to an excess of oxidants, i.e. well-known free radicals. Certain conditions or factors, such as chronic stress, poor nutrition, and an unhealthy lifestyle, reduce the protective abilities of our body’s antioxidant systems. The harmful effects of free radicals are increased. In this case, the oxidative stress phase begins.

Symptoms such as fatigue, poor concentration, headache, cramps and muscle pain, intestinal disorders, cardiovascular changes and digestive problems are often indications that the body is in a state of oxidative stress.

HOW TO HELP YOURSELF FEEL BETTER

There are various ways to improve your wellbeing when you are stressed. In addition to proper nutrition, exercise, optimal sleep patterns, time for ourselves, heart-to-heart talks, and other activities, we can also find something useful in nature’s medicine cabinet.
Adam&Eva: products for emotional and intimate comfort (www.adameva.lv)

Adam&Eva HAPPINESS is a dietary supplement based on Griffonia extract, which promotes mental wellbeing and relaxation, restoring normal mood. Adam&Eva HAPPINESS is enriched with hemp seed oil, vitamin B6, which contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and mental well-being, vitamin A, which contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system, vitamin E, which helps protect cells from oxidative stress, contains the linalool terpene and beta-caryophyllene.

! When taking additional dietary supplements, make sure they are compatible with any medications or other supplements you take on a daily basis.

DO NOT USE A FOOD SUPPLEMENT AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR A COMPLETE AND BALANCED DIET.

It is no secret that a woman and her partner are not always ready to have intercourse at the same time. In such cases, the mucosa can sustain microtrauma, causing discomfort and even mild pain during sex. Therefore, vaginal dryness sometimes becomes a serious problem for both partners. A condom – even a very thin one – causes more friction than skin; friction (movement of the penis inside the vagina) can cause microtrauma, even in a sufficiently moist mucous membrane.

To avoid problems with dryness during intercourse, the use of vaginal lubricants is recommended. Your gynaecologist or pharmacist will help you select them.

Water-based lubricants are the most popular – they moisturise the vaginal mucosa in a completely natural way. These lubricants can be safely used with condoms. They do not cause chemical reactions in the latex, therefore they do not damage the condom. Recommended for both partners.

Silicone-based lubricants form an excellent protective layer for the vaginal mucosa, furthermore, they are very economical as silicone is not absorbed in the skin and mucous membranes. These lubricants do not dry out, thus they glide on for a long time without the need to be reapplied at the most inopportune moment. Silicone lubricants are ideal for menopausal women and they are also suitable for use in the shower and swimming pool, since they are insoluble in water. These lubricants can be used with sex toys made of hard materials but are not recommended for use with silicone products.

Combination water- and silicone-based lubricants provide long-lasting moisturising. They form a protective layer over the vaginal mucosa, while being easily washed away with water. They do not stain underwear. Recommended for women with vaginal dryness, as well as during menopause.

Stimulating lubricants with arginine or red Sichuan pepper extract (Zanthalene) stimulate the clitoris and other erogenous zones by increasing sensitivity during intercourse. For maximum comfort, stimulating lubricant can be used in combination with your favourite water-based or silicone-based lubricant to create your own hybrid lubricant.

Lubricants with hyaluronic acid and hemp seed oil provide extra hydration. Hyaluronic acid is not actually an acid, it is a mucopolysaccharide, or simply put – a large sugar molecule. It is a natural lubricant for the vagina, skin, mucous membranes and joints and, therefore, rarely causes allergic reactions. The mechanism of action of hyaluronic acid is based on its hygroscopicity – its ability to hold 1,000 times its weight of water. Hemp oil is rich in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids and vitamins A, K, D, E, B, which possess excellent antioxidant, moisturising and wound-healing properties. The oil has a beneficial effect on the local immunity of intimate areas, thus improving the microflora and reducing the risk of inflammation. Recommended in the event of vaginal dryness, as well as for menopausal women.

To avoid dryness-related problems during intercourse, select the most appropriate lubricant for you. Do not be afraid to experiment. May you have many interesting, new sensations and amazing orgasms.

Adam&Eva lubricants with hyaluronic acid for extra hydration

“Adam & Eva Classic” water-based, with hyaluronic acid for extra hydration, fragrance-free, provides a natural lubricating sensation.

“Adam & Eva Natural” water-based, with natural aloe vera juice and hyaluronic acid – protects and gently cares for the sensitive skin of intimate areas.

“Adam & Eva Elite” Unique formula: water and silicone based – for long-lasting lubrication, especially suitable for menopausal women.

“Adam & Eva Sensation+” Water-based, with hemp seed oil and red Sichuan pepper extract to enhance sensations during the intercourse. This gel has the invigorating, aphrodisiac aroma of Jenipapo (Genipa americana).