UNDERSTANDING THE STRESS RESPONSE
IN RELATION TO CORTISOL – THE STRESS HORMONE
High level of stress causes a release of higher than normal amount of cortisol. Cortisol is produced by two little glands called the adrenal glands that sit on top of the kidnees. Here is how your body reacts when an event that the mind perceives as stressful occurs:
- Nervous system responds to event (Fight or flight response)
- Adrenals release stress hormones including cortisol
- Cortisol elevates blood sugar and prepares the body for fight or flight
- Cortisol promotes pro-inflammatory prostaglandins
- Stress increases cortisol
- Cortisol breaks down muscle tissue and promotes the storage of fat
- The adrenals will flood the system with cortisol in any traumatic situation (high Cortisol levels)
- Cycle repeats itself until the acute or chronic stressor persists
Inappropriate cortisol levels could cause:
- Increased body fat
- High Blood pressure
- Increased Risk of Heart Disease
- Aging of the skin
STRESS ADVANCES AGING AND SKIN PROBLEMS
(skin woes: stressed complexion)
Women these days are exposed to a whole new kind of anxiety - and their skin is suffering for it. When you're stressed, your body pumps out large amounts of cortisol, a steroid hormone that causes you to produce excess oil, that effects the skin in various detrimental ways – blackheads, whiteheads, acne etc. said Dennis Gross, M.D., clinical associate professor of dermatology, New York University Medical Center.
- Increased risk for bone fractures
- Insomnia
- Immune dysfunction
- Daytime brain fog
- Abdominal weight gain
AN EXTRA SPARE TIRE DUE TO STRESS?
Stress creates excessive abdominal fat storage. Some secrete cortisol every time they face the same difficult situation, rather than adapting to it. Now a study has found that women with high levels of body fat accumulating at their waists also have high levels of cortisol in their systems. Other factors can increase cortisol levels, including smoking, alcohol, lack of exercise, and insufficient sleep. Stress can contribute to central body fat.
IN SUMMARY, STRESS NEGATIVELY AFFECTS:
- Emotions
- Concentration
- Attitude
- Spirit
- Performance
- Life, Well Being and Vitality!
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