More about Stress Response

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In order to do this we need a greater understanding and awareness of how our bodies work. Our automatic physical response to danger or stress involves an intricate chain reaction of bodily and biochemical effects, involving the brain, the nervous system and hormones.

As soon as we perceive a threat, our body explodes with energy and strength, and thousands of messenger hormones flood into the bloodstream to call the alarm. Our minds and bodies instantly become clear, alert and poised-ready for action. In this alarm reaction the main players are the lungs, brain, nervous system, muscle systems and hormones.

Arousal is initially registered by the hypothalamus-a tiny crowd of cells at the base of the brain-which controls all automatic bodily functions and reactions. It releases chemicals called endorphins, which act as natural painkillers. They dull the perception of pain and mental turmoil and help us to deal with the situation by blocking out factors that may otherwise prevent us from giving less than our peak performance.

Adrenaline, also helps us rise to the situation. It causes a quickening of the heart rate, a raising of blood pressure and a release of vital nutrients. It also creates muscle tension and affects breathing patterns, making them faster and shallower. But it is only one of the arousal hormones released by the adrenal gland near the kidneys.

Noradrenaline, associated with positive ecstatic arousal, is also released into the bloodstream. The hormone Cortisol is the agent involved in converting glycogen, stored in the liver, into blood sugar, creating instant energy and alerting the brain. The required surge of strength and effort comes from the male hormone testosterone. The thyroid gland also plays a part in our body's arousal response.

It releases thyroxin, a hormone that stimulates the metabolic system, increasing its work rate and regulating oxygen consumption. This is vital, as the body anticipates that it will need increased resources of energy. Our digestive system also slows down during this process, as blood is diverted from the skin and stomach. We instinctively shut down the unnecessary systems in order to concentrate on mobilizing those vital for survival.

As the digestive system is not deemed essential in a life or death situation it slows down and is effectively put on hold.

The body has undoubtedly evolved an efficient and prompt survival response but, as already mentioned, the goalposts have moved slightly. The things that cause stress today are more complex and require more sophisticated solutions over a longer period of time. Our hormonal system suffers if it stays in 'fight' mode, as lengthy periods with our bodies on red-alert are not healthy for our mental or physical wellbeing. What begins as a positive range of responses, therefore, can eventually have a negative effect on our health.

Research shows that we put our bodies on challenge alert without realizing it. Emotions such as anger, anxiety and impatience produce the same chemical reactions in the body as standing in front of a speeding car-our nervous systems and hormones will still be poised for 'fight-or-flight'.

But the same physiology that leaves us feeling poised and alert can create havoc over a long period of time. A build-up of energy can lead us to become stress addicts, who become hooked on the adrenaline rush that stressful situations create. Or we can become so used to living on such a psychological and physical 'tilt' that we don't realize the harm it is causing.

Overdoses of adrenaline can cause irritability and agitation, while too much noradrenaline can leave us feeling disconnected and high. If arousal continues, the adrenal glands create anti-flammatory chemicals to speed tissue repair, but Cortisol will also suppress the immune system, leaving it vulnerable to illness and disease.

Extra sodium is retained, endangering the performance of the cardiovascular system by causing fluid retention, raising the heart rate, increasing blood pressure and possibly inducing blood clots. Stomach ulcers are a classic symptom of stress, as the stomach cannot deal with the extra secretion of acid that occurs during times of turbulence. Acute and cumulative stress over a period of time can even cause death.