Negative Effects of Stress

These days individuals are in a state of chronic stress. Our bodies do not know the difference between being chased by a bear or being cut off in traffic, the body treats both the same.

When we feel we are threatened our bodies go into the fight or flight mode. Our heart rate goes up, our breathing becomes rapid, our immune, reproductive and digestive systems shut down, our bodies release adrenaline and cortisol. When we are being chased by a bear, once we feel safe we start walking around calming our body down. When we encounter a stressful situation, like being cut off in traffic, we don't walk around to calm our bodies down.

This leads to chronic stress where our bodies are constantly in the fight or flight mode. Not only is our body in this constant state of stress, but our bodies also become inflamed and produces too much cortisol.

Inflammation

There are two types of inflammation, acute and chronic. Acute occurs when we hurt ourselves, we may have redness, pain, swollenness in the area that was injured. Chronic inflammation is ongoing inflammation that contributes to various health issues such as cancer, asthma, thyroid issues, rheumatoid arthritis, heart issues and even Alzheimer's.

Cortisol

Cortisol is released from the adrenal gland it is a hormone that various purposes within the body along with making interaction with various chemicals on a daily basis.

Cortisol receptors can be found through out the body and reside within almost every cell. They are important for various essential functions such as.

• Keeping us awake and alert

• Preventing brain fog and fatigue

• Aids with energy by burning fat

• Metabolism support

• Balance blood sugar

• Monitors water and salt intake making sure our fluids are balanced

• Aids with healing and inflammation

• Aids with controlling high blood pressure

• Aids with our cognitive abilities, like learning and our memory

Negative Effects of High Levels of Cortisol

Now that we know what cortisol does for our bodies let's find out the negative

effects. Look for these signs to determine if your cortisol is to high cortisol.

• Extra weight around the waist and stomach, which can also happen due to poor diet and lack or exercise.

• Flushed and puffy face

• Moody, anxious and irritable

• Lack of energy, feeling tired yet wired

• Sleep issues

• Irregular menstrual cycle, fertility issues

• High blood pressure

• Acne especially the nose and forehead

• Lower estrogen, making one more likely to fracture a bone or develop osteoporosis

• Muscle weakness, achy or sore

• Decreased estrogen and testosterone which leads to low libido

• Frequent urination

• Increased thirst

• Higher chance of infections

• Thinning skin

• Bruising more easily

• Problems concentrating

• Headaches

Stay tuned for the next post where we will discover how to deal with stress, inflammation and high levels of cortisol holistically.

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