When we think of stress, we usually think of its psychological effects on us — feeling anxious, overwhelmed, angry, or burned out. But what about the physical effects of stress? It turns out that stress can majorly impact our bodies, causing everything from headaches and stomachaches to muscle tension and organ damage. So what exactly is stress, and how does it affect our bodies? And what role do our hormones play in all of this? From adding stress support supplements to your diet to managing your symptoms with yoga, here’s what you need to know about the connection between stress and hormones.
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Stress Hormones and Your Body
Stress is the body’s response to any type of demand or threat. When we perceive a threat, our body kicks into gear, releasing a burst of energy and hormones that help us to deal with the situation. This “fight-or-flight” response is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, allowing us to deal with short-term threats. However, when we’re constantly under stress, this response can start to do more harm than good.
The primary stress hormone is cortisol, released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. Cortisol has many different effects on the body, including increasing heart rate and blood pressure and suppressing the immune system. In small doses, cortisol can be beneficial — but when levels are constantly high, it can lead to serious health problems. One of the most reliable ways to measure long-term cortisol levels in people has been through hair samples. However, physicians may also use a blood or saliva test.
Another group of stress hormones is catecholamines, which include adrenaline and norepinephrine. These hormones are released in response to physical or psychological stress and have several different effects on the body. For example, they can increase heart rate and blood pressure and boost energy levels. In small doses, catecholamines can be helpful – but when levels are constantly high, they can lead to many issues.
The last significant stress hormone is vasopressin, released in response to stress or dehydration. Vasopressin helps to regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. Like other stress hormones, vasopressin can be beneficial in small doses — but when levels are constantly high, it can lead to health troubles.
So how do stress hormones affect our bodies? Let’s take a look at some of the ways.
Stress Hormones and Health Problems
As we’ve pointed out, stress hormones can be helpful in small doses. They can help you to stay alert and focused in an emergency situation. But when these hormones are constantly released in large amounts, they can negatively affect your health.
Cardiovascular Disease
One of the most well-known effects of stress is its impact on cardiovascular disease. Stress has been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as other conditions such as high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat. This is thought to be because stress causes the body to release hormones that can damage the arteries and veins, as well as increase heart rate and blood pressure.
Immune System Suppression
Another effect of stress is its impact on the immune system. When we’re constantly under stress, our bodies produce higher levels of stress hormones, which can interfere with the regular functioning of the immune system. This means we’re more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Stress can also cause a variety of gastrointestinal problems, such as functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is thought to be because stress hormone overproduction can affect the digestive system and the production of stomach acid.
Weight Gain
Cortisol, the stress hormone, can also lead to weight gain. This is because cortisol can increase appetite with a specific craving for energy-dense food (think comfort food). The same research also notes that there is often a loss of muscle mass and accumulation of fat in the abdominal region with increased cortisol.
Anxiety and Depression
Finally, stress has been linked to anxiety and depression. Stress, specifically traumatic stress, can lead to a buildup of cortisol in the brain, damaging the hippocampus, a region of the brain that’s important for learning and memory. This damage has been linked to an increased risk of anxiety and depression.
Tips for Reducing Stress Hormones
Now that we know how stress hormones can affect our bodies, let’s look at some tips for reducing stress hormones.
Exercise
One of the best ways to reduce stress hormones is to exercise regularly. Exercise can help to reduce cortisol levels and improve brain function. It’s important to find an exercise routine you enjoy to stick with it.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Another way to reduce stress hormone levels is to eat a healthy diet. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to reduce cortisol levels and improve overall health. Avoiding processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of caffeine can also help to reduce stress hormone levels.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Getting enough sleep is another great way to reduce stress hormone levels. When we’re sleep-deprived, our bodies produce higher levels of cortisol. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep per night is important to reduce stress hormone levels and improve overall health.
Yoga and Meditation
Yoga is another excellent way to reduce stress hormone levels. The yoga can help to improve flexibility, muscle strength, and cardiovascular health. It can also help to reduce cortisol levels and improve overall health. Likewise, meditation can reduce stress and anxiety. It will train you to slow your breathing, heart rate, and brain activity. Together, they can help to reduce cortisol levels and improve overall health.
Supplements
In addition to the above lifestyle changes, several supplements can help to reduce stress hormone levels. Stress supplements are a natural, convenient, and effective way to reduce stress hormone levels. When taken regularly as a part of a healthy lifestyle, they can help to reduce stress hormone levels and improve overall health.
Final Thoughts
Stress hormone levels can have a significant impact on our health. If you’re looking to reduce stress hormone levels, it’s important to exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep, meditate, and practice yoga. These activities can help to reduce cortisol levels and improve overall health.
If you’re struggling to manage your stress levels, it’s essential to seek help from a medical professional. There are many effective treatments for stress and anxiety disorders. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re struggling to cope with stress.
