Question

Describe what instinctively occurs within the body during the stress response and the number one health consequence for people living in modern civilization.

Answer 1

As the first response to handle stress, sympathetic nervous system prepares the animal to respond. The adrenal medulla and adrenergic sympathetic neurons release hormones called catecholamines which act in close coordination to combat stress. The hormones estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol, as well as the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, also affect the organisms to react to stress. This is considered as the first adaptation syndrome to respond to stress. The initial response and subsequent reactions are triggered in an effort to create a boost of energy. This boost of energy is activated by epinephrine binding to liver cells and the subsequent production of glucose. Additionally, the circulation of cortisol functions to turn fatty acids into available energy, which prepares muscles throughout the body for response. Catecholamine hormones, such as adrenaline (epinephrine) or noradrenaline (norepinephrine), facilitate immediate physical reactions associated with a preparation for violent muscular action.

Life in modern civilization is competitive to make the individuals more stressful. Under a stress condition, the release of chemical messengers result in the production of the hormone, cortisol which increases blood pressure, blood sugar and immune system. Chronic stress or stressful life contributes increased blood flow to the muscles, speeding up of blood clotting function, increased muscle tension, acceleration of lung and heart action, slowness in digestion, constriction of blood vessels in many parts of the body, dilation of blood vessels in muscles etc. All lead to lifestyle diseases like diabetes mellitus, blood pressure, arthritis, paralysis, mental disorders etc.

Knowing the principles for a simple life and the regular practice of meditation and yoga (pranayama) are good ways to alleviate all the problems.