In the body, the stress response is mediated by the hypothalamic-adrenal-pituitary axis, or the HPA-axis for short.
When the body perceives stress, the HPA axis, along with the sympathetic nervous system, famous for its "fight of flight" response, are activated together.
Although the stress response is helpful and necessary when dealing with short lived stressors, issues result when the perceived stress remains sustained over a period of time. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) tends to dominate over its counter balance, the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). As a result, the individual has difficulty settling back down to their normal physical and emotional state, even if the perceived stress is subsequently removed. Chiropractic care can aid in normalizing sympathetic nerve function.
The HPA-axis is responsible for releasing a hormone known as cortisol, most commonly known as the stress hormone. Cortisol has many diverse physiological functions that occur throughout the body, such as suppressing immune function, increasing blood glucose levels, and breaking down different body tissues. When the stressor is removed, cortisol levels drop and the body returns to its normal level of activity.
Problems result, however, if the perceived stress is not removed. Unless the body has a chance to recover, the effects of stress hormones tend to accumulate and build up. Chronic stress can cause result in either an over activation or an under activation of the HPA axis, depending on the individual. Over activation of the HPA axis may result in increased and sustained levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This in turn can result in a variety of symptoms such as:
In addition, people under stressed emotional states tend to have cravings for sweeter, higher fat foods and more energy dense meals. Without a corresponding increase in physical activity, these individuals tend to experience weight gain as a result.
Alternatively, the other type of stress response that an individual may experience is an under activation of the HPA axis. Symptoms associated with this state may include:
If the stress continues unabated, the body can actually experience adrenal fatigue, where the body can no longer deal adequately with the perceived stress. Commonly known as burnout, the body's ability to respond to any stress becomes compromised.
Although eliminating stress form one's life may be the most desired objective, it is not always practical. There are strategies that one may employ to deal with stress. In addition to getting adequate levels of physical activity, restful sleep and eating a well balanced diet, supplementation with adaptogens such as Prime One can be an effective strategy to help mitigate the deleterious effects of stress.
Author Bio: Dr. Rajiv Laroiya, B.Sc., D.C., F.I.C.P.A., is the Clinical Director of 2 Wellness Centers in Calgary Alberta. He is a Fellow of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, and many families across the nation have benefited from his treatments. In addition, he is a Consulting Expert for The Adaptogens for Life Group. For more information about health and stress and what to do, visit us at: http://www.parallelwellness.com and http://www.parallelwellness.com
last minute cleaning help Arlington Heights ..More than two-thirds of visits to doctors' surgeries are for... Read More
I hear from many people that they see ever increasing... Read More
Looking for some quick stress relief?Edward W. Smith, motivational speaker,... Read More
Of all the forms of stress in today's world, computer... Read More
Recently the well known American news anchor Peter Jennings died... Read More
A while back, I was in a minor fender-bender accident,... Read More
There is one sure fire medicine that cures all difficulty... Read More
According to the StressPulse survey by ComPsych Corporation completed at... Read More
There are many kinds of daily grinds. In the U.S.... Read More
Learn to have healthy relationships:This subject could fill an entire... Read More
Recently I completed some new workshop engagements in addition to... Read More
Voice: Bill!Bill: I thought I heard a voice.Voice: Bill! This... Read More
Life would be so wonderful if it weren't for other... Read More
Q. Help! I moved from the Dallas to Denver. I... Read More
Stress management is a hot topic; stress-related illness and suffering... Read More
It was a self-exploration that made me understand myself. It... Read More
Shit happens. I know this to be a fact, because... Read More
Have you ever noticed what occurs when you are suddenly... Read More
If you have never tried combining your breathing exercises with... Read More
Here's an amazing quote from Time magazine:"At birth a baby's... Read More
For those of you who have been living in a... Read More
Do you often overreact to situations? Are you a constant... Read More
Stress is normal. Stress is OK. Stress is the same... Read More
I am worried. I have been biting my nails for... Read More
Did you know that taking a short trip, such as... Read More
same day cleaning service Wilmette ..Everybody deals with fear and anxiety, however some people have... Read More
Imagine going through your whole life in the constant fear... Read More
Everyone needs successful stress management techniques. Easy to learn and... Read More
1. The Law of StagnationThis is also known as first... Read More
According to the StressPulse survey by ComPsych Corporation completed at... Read More
The pace of life seems to quicken every year. More... Read More
STRESS & TIME MANAGEMENT: Stress is either the source or... Read More
* Play Romane's stress control seminar recordings, and read "The... Read More
There are two types of anxiety:*Situational *Existential.Most of us experience... Read More
1. The Law of GiftsRichard Bach, author of "Illusions" says... Read More
We strive for excellence in our lives, going at full... Read More
What would you say if I told you I know... Read More
Do you attack problems and solve them or do you... Read More
In our article about Exercise & Stress, we looked at... Read More
Over the years I've collected scores of comics and cartoons... Read More
One of the dumbest things I have ever done is... Read More
Here's a fun little experiment:Take a few seconds and look... Read More
Most of us lead busy lives, trying to successfully juggle... Read More
Seems like more and more they are all around us.... Read More
Statistics show that all of us experience stress at one... Read More
The National Center for health statistics reported that in 1997,... Read More
1)Excessive worryNo, I'm not saying "don't worry, be happy."Well-used worry... Read More
One of the best ways to combat stress and depression... Read More
I hear from many people that they see ever increasing... Read More
Why do we resist change? As the saying goes, the... Read More
Stress Management |