The Biology of Stress
Stress has always existed. It is a natural phenomenon that humans and animals have in common. We know for sure that all mammals (hereby also humans) stress. It is the same hormones which are activated for all mammals and it is driven by the same area of the brain, namely the primitive part of the brain, deep inside the organ.
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Humans have this part of the brain in common with all other mammals, but we have an exterior part of the brain, a couple of “layers”, so to speak, which is very developed. Not all mammals have as much brain-material around their primitive brain.
This developed part of our brain is a good thing, this is what gives us a very developed social life. But it is not always good when we speak about stress, because this part of the brain may produce stress, just by the power of thoughts.
Stress has an influence on all our body. When we are stressed, we release a stress hormone, which means that we get into another state. Another state of mind and another physical state. Generally, we get in this state if we feel we are in danger and we are getting ready to fight or flee: Adrenalin gets pumped up in our body, our heart beats quicker, our muscles get ready for action (fight or flight) and get tense. Then, another hormone is released: Cortisol. That hormone gives us some extra power by using a big amount of energy from our body.
All of our senses are sharpened and this is why, when we are under stress, we are more efficient: We are more attentive to what is happening and therefore, we can easier do more than one thing at a time, we are more efficient, we can remember better.
So isn’t a bad thing, so to speak. It has its justification and a good reason to be here.
Now, as you can see, the state in which our mind and body go to, is an acute state. That means that it is a state of being used for an extreme situation. Generally dangerous ones. All these hormones and that heightened state we are in, is not meant to be a constant state. It is supposed to be used in acute situations.
A dangerous situation arises => Stress hormones get pumped up => Your “machine” is getting boosted => You can take care of the situation (or flee from it) => Hormones stop pumping up and you need rest so the whole machine is getting back to its usual state.
It takes a few minutes before the level of stress hormones is going down, and it will take hours before your body is back in “normal mode”.
Therefore, it is no surprise that if you are constantly in “high awareness mode” with Adrenaline and Cortisol almost constantly pumping in your system, this will not do you good. It is a state supposed to be used on rare occasions, not a state you are supposed to be in for a long period of time. Your body wasn’t built for that.
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What is the biology of stress?
Stress (biology) – Wikipedia…https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stress_(biology)
…https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stress_(biology)Stress (biology) Stress either physiological or biological is an organism’s response to a stressor such as an environmental condition. Stress is the body’s method of reacting to a condition such as a threat, challenge or physical and psychological barrier.Stress (biology) – Wikipedia…https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stress_(biology)Search for: What is the biology of stress?
What are the biological effects of stress?
Stress Effects on the Body – American Psychological Association…https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress-body
…https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress-bodyChronic stress, or a constant stress experienced over a prolonged period of time, can contribute to long-term problems for heart and blood vessels. The consistent and ongoing increase in heart rate, and the elevated levels of stress hormones and of blood pressure, can take a toll on the body.Stress Effects on the Body – American Psychological Association…https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress-bodySearch for: What are the biological effects of stress?
What are the stages of stress?
Alarm Stage of Stress: Definition & Explanation – Video & Lesson …https://study.com/academy/lesson/alarm-stage-of-stress-definition-lesson-quiz.html
…https://study.com/academy/lesson/alarm-stage-of-stress-definition-lesson-quiz.htmlThere are three stages of stress: the alarm, resistance and exhaustion stages. The alarm stage is also known as the fight or flight stage. When you’re in the alarm stage, your heart beats faster, sending more blood to your arms and legs in case you need to fight or flee.Jun 15, 2015Alarm Stage of Stress: Definition & Explanation – Video & Lesson …https://study.com/academy/lesson/alarm-stage-of-stress-definition-lesson-quiz.htmlSearch for: What are the stages of stress?
What is the stress response system?
What is the Stress Response | Simply Psychology…https://www.simplypsychology.org/stress-biology.html
…https://www.simplypsychology.org/stress-biology.htmlThe adrenal medulla secretes the hormone adrenaline. This hormone gets the body ready for a fight or flight response. Physiological reaction includes increased heart rate. Adrenaline lead to the arousal of the sympathetic nervous system and reduced activity in the parasympathetic nervous system.What is the Stress Response | Simply Psychology…https://www.simplypsychology.org/stress-biology.htmlSearch for: What is the stress response system?
Is stress a medical diagnosis?
Stress Causes, Symptoms, Effects, Types, and Management….https://www.emedicinehealth.com/stress_health/article_em.htm
…https://www.emedicinehealth.com/stress_health/article_em.htmYour doctor needs to take a careful history and perform a physical exam in order to diagnose any medical problems leading to your symptoms. After ruling out medical causes for your signs and symptoms, the doctor looks for an underlying stress or psychological disorder that could be the source of your stress symptoms.Stress Causes, Symptoms, Effects, Types, and Management…https://www.emedicinehealth.com/stress_health/article_em.htmSearch for: Is stress a medical diagnosis?
Who was the first person to study stress?
Hans Selye: The Discovery of Stress – Brain Connection…https://brainconnection.brainhq.com/2013/04/05/hans-selye-the-discovery-of-stress/
…https://brainconnection.brainhq.com/2013/04/05/hans-selye-the-discovery-of-stress/Hans Selye: The Discovery of Stress. As with so many wondrous discoveries of science and medicine, it was by chance that Hungarian-born Hans Selye (1907-1982) stumbled upon the idea of the General Adaptation Syndrome (G.A.S.), which he first wrote about in the British journal Nature in the summer of 1936.Apr 5, 2013Hans Selye: The Discovery of Stress – Brain Connection…https://brainconnection.brainhq.com/2013/04/05/hans-selye-the-discovery-of-stress/Search for: Who was the first person to study stress?
Can stress kill you?
Best To Not Sweat The Small Stuff, Because It Could Kill You : Shots …https://www.npr.org/…/09/…/best-to-not-sweat-the-small-stuff-because-it-could-kill-you
…https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2014/09/22/349875448/best-to-not-sweat-the-small-stuff-because-it-could-kill-you“There are a number of ways chronic stress can kill you,” says Aldwin. That includes increased levels of cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels interfere with learning and memory, lower immune function and bone density, and increase blood pressure, cholesterol and heart disease.Sep 22, 2014Best To Not Sweat The Small Stuff, Because It Could Kill You : Shots …https://www.npr.org/…/09/…/best-to-not-sweat-the-small-stuff-because-it-could-kill-youSearch for: Can stress kill you?
Can you die from stress?
Severe Stress and Depression Increase Risk of Early Death…https://www.livescience.com/50101-stress-depression-early-death-risk.html
…https://www.livescience.com/50101-stress-depression-early-death-risk.htmlSevere Stress and Depression Increase Risk of Early Death. … People in the study who had high levels of both stress and depression were 48 percent more likely to die or have a heart attack during the study period, compared with the group that had low levels of stress and depression, the researchers said.Mar 10, 2015Severe Stress and Depression Increase Risk of Early Death…https://www.livescience.com/50101-stress-depression-early-death-risk.htmlSearch for: Can you die from stress?
What stress and anxiety does to the body?
Physical Effects of Worrying – WebMD…https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/how-worrying-affects-your-body
….https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/how-worrying-affects-your-bodyWhen the excessive fuel in the blood isn’t used for physical activities, the chronic anxiety and outpouring of stress hormones can have serious physical consequences, including: Suppression of the immune system. Digestive disorders. Muscle tension.Aug 10, 2017Physical Effects of Worrying – WebMD…https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/how-worrying-affects-your-bodySearch for: What stress and anxiety does to the body?
What are the five stages of stress?
The 5 Stages Of Stress (It’s Important To Know Which One They’re In …https://www.massage-chair-relief.com/…/the-5-stages-of-stress-its-important-to-know-wh…
…https://www.massage-chair-relief.com/blog/the-5-stages-of-stress-its-important-to-know-which-one-theyre-in-inc-com/There are five stages of stress; fight or flight, damage control, recovery, adaption, and burnout.Jun 27, 2017The 5 Stages Of Stress (It’s Important To Know Which One They’re In …https://www.massage-chair-relief.com/…/the-5-stages-of-stress-its-important-to-know-wh…Search for: What are the five stages of stress?
What are the warning signs of stress?
Listening to the Warning Signs of Stress…https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress-signs.aspx
…https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress-signs.aspxListening to the warning signs of stressHeadaches, muscle tension, neck or back pain.Upset stomach.Dry mouth.Chest pains, rapid heartbeat.Difficulty falling or staying asleep.Fatigue.Loss of appetite or overeating “comfort foods”Increased frequency of colds.More items…Listening to the Warning Signs of Stress…https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress-signs.aspxSearch for: What are the warning signs of stress?
What are the three levels of stress?
3 Types of Stress and Health Hazards – Shawna Freshwater, PhD…https://spacioustherapy.com/3-types-stress-health-hazards/
…https://spacioustherapy.com/3-types-stress-health-hazards/According to American Psychological Association (APA), there are 3 different types stress — acute stress, episodic acute stress, and chronic stress. The 3 types of stress each have their own characteristics, symptoms, duration, and treatment approaches.Jan 17, 20183 Types of Stress and Health Hazards – Shawna Freshwater, PhD…https://spacioustherapy.com/3-types-stress-health-hazards/Search for: What are the three levels of stress?
What is the stress response called?
Fight-or-flight response – Wikipedia…https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight-or-flight_response
…https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight-or-flight_responseThe fight-or-flight response (also called hyperarousal, or the acute stress response) is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival.Fight-or-flight response – Wikipedia…https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight-or-flight_responseSearch for: What is the stress response called?
What is the purpose of stress response?
What’s the Purpose of the Fight or Flight Response? – Psych Central…https://psychcentral.com/blog/whats-the-purpose-of-the-fight-or-flight-response/
…https://psychcentral.com/blog/whats-the-purpose-of-the-fight-or-flight-response/The body’s sympathetic nervous system is the thing responsible for readying the body for one of these reactions. It stimulates the adrenal glands, which in turn trigger the release of things like adrenaline and noradrenaline. This is what causes the body to increase its heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate.Jul 8, 2018What’s the Purpose of the Fight or Flight Response? – Psych Central…https://psychcentralcom/blog/whats-the-purpose-of-the-fight-or-flight-response/Search for: What is the purpose of stress response?
What is the stress hormone called?
Cortisol – Wikipedia…https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortisol
…https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CortisolCortisolCortisol is a steroid hormone, in the glucocorticoid class of hormones. When used as a medication, it is known as hydrocortisone. It is produced in humans by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex within the adrenal gland. It is released in response to stress and low blood-glucose concentration.Cortisol – Wikipedia…https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CortisolSearch for: What is the stress hormone called?
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