You can be afraid of many things: darkness, insects, light, snow, mirrors. But how does our body know what to fear? What processes take place in the body when our brain sends an impulse and shouts "be afraid", "worry"? There are many questions about fear or stress, but the most important thing to understand is the effect of the stress hormone cortisol on our body.
Cortisol is released not only when we are worried and afraid, but also when we are fed up with physical exertion or in emergency situations. Stress Hormone – cortisol can have a detrimental effect on the body if the norm exceeds the permissible limit (80 μg/dl – is already above the norm, and 180 μg/dl – is a critical situation requiring immediate intervention).
What is a hormone: definition of the term
Hormone – this organic substance is biologically active, secreted in the endocrine glands, enters the bloodstream and regulates metabolism and other body functions. Hormones are responsible for conveying information about changes in the body in a particular organ or cell. If the brain decides that the triggered situation requires intervention, then substances such as messenger hormones are sent to the target cell or organ. For example, if there is a threat to a person's life, the adrenal glands secrete the stress hormone cortisol, which is responsible for a surge of energy and strength in the body, which should help a person survive or simply endure the tragedy.
Cortisol – stress hormone as a call to action
When the body is going through a period of stressful situations, the adrenal glands secrete cortisol, aimed at quickly mobilizing the body. Cortisol converts proteins in the body into the necessary energy to deal with stress. This hormone leads to rapid tissue regeneration, improved memory, concentration. But the body needs to take the material to be converted into energy, so after the end of the proteins, muscle tissue is used. If you are constantly in a state of stress, the nervous system is overloaded and stress, and accordingly the stress hormone cortisol secreted, begins to harm the body.
What does an increase in cortisol levels entail
Being in a constant state of stress leads the body to accumulate cortisone and develop chronic stress. The first indicators of elevated cortisone are:
- high blood pressure;
- decrease in muscle tissue;
- hyperglycemia;
- obesity;
- decreased immunity;
- deterioration of metabolism;
- increased glucose levels;
- appearance of an inflammatory process in the body;
- thyroid function is disabled.
The more cortisol is released into the body, the worse a person feels. Not only does muscle tissue, which serves as an ideal material for cortisol, be destroyed, but bones are also destroyed. With constant stress and depression, a person begins to seek solace in eating food, especially sweet and starchy foods. The body, due to the constant expenditure of energy, gives the urge to increase appetite in order to renew reserves. In the end, if the adrenal glands constantly secrete cortisone or another stress hormone, they will simply refuse to work and the body will remain unprotected during stressful situations.
Other causes of increased cortisol levels in the blood:
- disease of the genitourinary system, failures in the coordinated work of the reproductive function;
- thyroid disorder;
- taking steroid medications;
- alcoholism;
- taking drugs.
Read also: "Cortisol belly: why it appears and how to get rid of stress fat"
Other stress hormones: epinephrine and norepinephrine
In addition to cortisol, the adrenal glands also secrete adrenaline and norepinephrine. These hormones are released during anxiety, small fears, shock. Adrenaline enters the bloodstream and directs its action to the work of the heart, the heartbeat increases, the pupils dilate. Norepinephrine causes an increase in blood pressure and is called the rage hormone.
Read by topic: "Adrenaline and norepinephrine: when the soul goes to the heels"
How to lower your stress hormone levels
Cortisol and adrenaline decrease after gaining control of stress and anxiety. Improving the emotional background and constant rest will lower hormone levels and improve mood. You also need a little physical activity and good nutrition to resume the work of the body.
You will be interested to know "The effect of the hormone coritzol on lean body mass"
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