Your body needs some stress to function at optimal levels, but too much stress can wreak havoc on your systems.Contrary to previous belief, women have a stronger fight or flight response than men when faced with stressful or dangerous situations.

Your body needs some stress to function at optimal levels, but too much stress can wreak havoc on your systems.

The thought of "handling your stress" is somewhat of an impossible task, because stress is a physical event that occurs; a metabolic response. 

Here are just a few of the physical responses that occur when stress hits your body:

• cortisol levels go up
• immune system is altered
• lipid profile changes
• store more fat and lose muscle
• insulin response diminished
• sleep is affected negatively

James B. LaValle, RPh, CCN, joins host Lisa Davis to explain exactly what happens when you're affected by chronic stress, as well as effective ways to reduce the stress in your life.