Stress is an unavoidable natural physical and mental reaction to life experiences to which an individual is constantly exposed in both short-term bursts and over extended periods of time. The body’s ability to withstand the damaging effects of stress is mediated primarily by the adrenal (aka suprarenal) glands: small, triangular glands located on top of the kidneys that secrete hormones involved in stress response (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol), blood-pressure regulation (aldosterone) and reproduction (estrogen and testosterone) controlling many body processes including digestion, the immune system, mood balance, and energy.[