Reduce stress
Symptoms and physical consequences of constant stress
Stress is a natural and normal reaction to a perceived threat or demand. It is a physiological and psychological reaction that occurs when a person perceives that they cannot cope with a situation. Stress can be caused by various factors, such as work, relationships, financial problems, health problems and significant life changes.
Detoxification
Effects of stress
Stress can affect Health in a number of ways. Acute stress can have short-term effects such as increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, faster breathing, muscle tension, sweating, sleep disturbances and anxiety. However, when stress persists over a longer period of time, it can lead to a variety of health problems such as:
- Mental health problems: Chronic stress can lead to anxiety, depression, burnout and other mental health problems.
- Cardiovascular problems: Prolonged stress can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
- Digestive problems: Stress can lead to digestive problems such as stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation and nausea.
- Immune System: Chronic stress can weaken the Immune System, which can lead to more frequent infections, allergies and autoimmune diseases.
- Sleep problems: Stress can lead to sleep disorders and insomnia, which in turn can lead to tiredness, irritability and concentration problems.
The stress reaction can have long-term negative effects if it persists over a longer period of time.
Stress reaction
The physical and psychological response to stress
The stress response is a physiological and psychological reaction of the body to a perceived threat or demand. When a person perceives a situation as stressful, the body is put on alert and triggers a cascade of hormones and neurochemical changes.
CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone) is a hormone that is produced in the hypothalamus and plays an important role in the stress response. It is released by the nerve cells of the hypothalamus when the body perceives a threat or demand.
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) is an important part of the stress response. The hypothalamus in the brain recognizes the stressful situation and sends a signal to the pituitary gland, which then produces the stress hormone ACTH. ACTH then stimulates the adrenal glands to release the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is a vital hormone that is released during stressful situations to prepare the body for fight or flight.
Cortisol increases energy production, heart rate, blood pressure and respiration while reducing digestion and the Immune System. These physiological changes enable the body to react quickly to the stressful situation and defend itself.
