Stress is defined as tension exerted on an individual from a demanding circumstance. Although there is truth to that, there is so much more to it that pertains to the human body. In stressful situations the body’s autonomic nervous system activates in an attempt to maintain homeostasis. The sympathetic nervous system stimulates the hypothalamus to release corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). This hormone is responsible for activating the pituitary gland which releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This hormone then signals to the adrenal glands activating the adrenal cortex to release cortisol. Cortisol also known as the “stress hormone” which diverts metabolism from building tissues to supplying energy for dealing with stress. It alters glucose, fat, and metabolism as well as suppressing immune response. While the adrenal cortex is in action the adrenal medulla is stimulated as well. The adrenal medulla is signaled by neurons in the hypothalamus. It releases epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). These hormones work together to create the “Fight or Flight” response resulting in increased heart rate, blood pressure, and blood coagulability creating hyper-alertness. It also causes dry mouth as well as pupil dilation.
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Stress travels through the body as a whole. When it is activated too long, the flight or fight stress response not only changes the brain function but also damages organs and cells though out in rest of body. As the cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine travel through the blood vessels they eventually pass through the heart which causes an increase in heart rate. As the tachycardia is present, the begins to increase as well. Over time this could cause hypertension. Cortisol can also affect the epithelium of the blood vessel preventing it to function properly. This could be an early indication of atherosclerosis, which puts the person at a high risk for heart attack and stroke.
When stress is taking place it triggers the autonomic nervous system, This nervous system signals to the enteric/intestinal nervous system. This can disturb the natural and rhythmic contraction that moves food through the gastrointestinal tract leading to irritable bowel syndrome. It also increases sensitivity to acid in the stomach making the person more susceptible to heartburn. Stress can also change the composition of the gastrointestinal bacteria which can affect not only digestive health but overall health as well. Stress also can have an effect on weight. Many people gain weight when they are stressed out. Cortisol plays a certain role in that because it increases appetite. It wants energy dense foods like carbohydrates leaving the person to crave comfort food such as high-density carbohydrates. These extra calories can lead to visceral/deep belly fat. Visceral fat has a negative effect on a person’s health because it produces hormones and chemicals that hurt the immune system response called cytokines. These increase risk to develop disease such as heart disease and insulin resistance. The stress hormones affect immune cells in many ways. Initially they help prepare to fight invaders and heal wounds. However, chronic stress can increase the risk of infection and prolong healing because of the damage to immune cells. Furthermore, Chronic stress has the tendency to shorten telomeres. Telomeres are the ends of each chromosome that measure the cells age. Telomeres are important to chromosomes because they allow for DNA to get copied every time a cell divides without damaging the cells genetic code. They do however shorten with each cell division. When a telomere become too short the cell can no longer divide and it begins to die. Signs and symptoms of chronic stress include acne, hair loss, sexual dysfunction, headaches, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating.
Stress in itself can damage the body but so can the negative perception of stress. Kelly McGonigal suggests that “High amounts of stress and the perception that stress impacts health are each associated with poor health and mental health. Individuals who perceived that stress affects their health and reported a large amount of stress had an increased risk of premature death.” This could be possible because, if a person is stressed about being stressed their stress level amplifies causing more stress. The spike in stress levels have a larger effect on the body and have the potential to advance sickness or disease. It is important to manage stress levels by finding a coping mechanism and promote a healthier long-lasting life. In Kelly McGonigal’s TED talk she discusses how to decrease the negative effects of stress. She first mentions how Oxytocin- a hormone produced from the pituitary gland is one of the bodies lines of defense against stress. Oxytocin also known as the cuddle hormone is a stress hormone that “fine-tunes the brain’s social instincts” and makes the person “crave physical contact.” Craving this physical contact is a stress response that motivates the person to “seek support” either through talking with friends and family or partaking in counseling therapy. Another role of oxytocin is to prevent cardiovascular damage from stress. Building human relationships and having compassion toward others decreases the potential risks that follow stress by strengthening the heart.
Cardiovascular disease is often acquired from stress as well as a combination of other factors. As previously mentioned when the body is undergoing the stress response the heart rate, blood pressure, and blood coagulability increase. These effects are risk factors for cardiovascular disease which is diagnosed if chronically symptomatic. Cardiovascular disease can lead to heart attack or stroke and can shorten life expectancy of a person. If more people understood the benefits of stress it would be evident that the life expectancy of this disease would be greater. The more courageous or social a person is increases the production of oxytocin which acts as a line of defense against stress and prolongs a healthier and longer life.
I am a person who is very stressed at the moment. I am taking ten credits and am working full time, so I have been very irritable, fatigued, and stressed. I often find myself worried about how my body is responding. I have gained six pounds since the semester started, I am craving high carbohydrate foods, and I can only imagine how my inner organs are being affected. I think the TED talk was a great video for me to watch personally. I think it’s very cool how our bodies have a “built in stress resilience”. On occasion when I am stressed out I would complete an act of kindness such as buying coffee for the person behind me in line or signing up to give blood for American Red Cross. After taking part in one of these activities I always feel a slight decrease in my stress level, and I never knew why until now-thank you Oxytocin.
Stress is more than a feeling of overwhelming emotion based on a certain circumstance. Stress is a physiological reaction that has lasting effects on the body. The stress response involves the release of several hormones such as CRF, ACTH, cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones work together in order to prepare the human body for the participating event and overcome it. Stress can lead to several negative effects on the body. These include damage to the brain, immune cells, gastrointestinal tract, and cardiovascular system. If this damage persists, it can increase the risk of infection, cause irritable bowel syndrome, and increase the risk for heart attack or stroke. However, the body has a built-in safety feature in regard to stress in the form of the hormone Oxytocin. Oxytocin generates from human connection and decreases the risk of fatal diseases. Even though oxytocin is helpful, it does not limit the management of stress to just that. Stress can be stressful when considering the negative effects it possess. Thinking of stress in a positive way; such as preparing the body for a courageous event helps lower the stress level and prolong life. The majority of people undergo stressful circumstances but are unaware of how much is going on throughout their body. I would be beneficial for others to be in touch with their body and understand the physiological aspect in order to manage disease and have a long-lasting life.
