More than just a sore, the body’s adrenal glands react with stress hormones to manage the body’s potential levels of stress. This includes pituitary hormones that function to make cortisol and dopamine. The well-known “runner’s high” is, in part, due to the adrenal gland’s reaction to elevated levels of stress. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in the brain’s reward circuitry. Dopamine-induced euphoria may be an evolutionary response to the sudden increase in blood glucose.
When the body’s stress systems are overactive, athletes (even people who don’t run) may experience racing heart rate, fatigue and a general uneasiness.
Stress Elevates Blood Pressure
This is especially true during endurance events, when a person’s body becomes stressed and the stress response system responds in a counterintuitive way. Instead of helping the body recover after an event, the response may further elevate blood pressure. The action of this system is known as sympathetic activation. In addition to the affects this may have on heart rate, pressure and anxiety, the excess stress can cause a rapid drop in pH within the body that affects bodily functions, such as sweating.
Under stress, adrenal glands begin to produce adrenaline, a hormone that causes a “fight or flight” reaction in the body. Adrenaline also stimulates the adrenal cortex, which controls the secretion of corticosteroids (cortisone) into the blood. Corticosteroids (think: steroids) cause a drop in blood pH levels and the body begins to pump acid out of the blood. When this occurs, there is not enough acid in the blood to keep muscle cells functional. In other words the acid that was being pumped into the blood is all that’s left in the blood for muscular cells. Over time, muscle cells die because they cannot respond to the altered pH levels in the blood.
Cortisol does the same thing. It pumps down stress hormones (adrenaline), like cortisol, which causes the blood pH to drop and causes the muscles to relax. Without enough oxygen, muscles only continue to fire short bursts at a time which causes very few intense contractions. Since muscles have a lower water content than blood, therefore water is always used up in the form of electrolytes. Once that amount of water has been used up, the muscle can’t supply enough nutrients to the cell. Since muscle cells are the cellular structure which can store the energy from nutrients, if they don’t have the energy to provide the right nutrients to the cell, the cell will die.
Herbal supplements and Stress
Herbal supplements are stress remedies. Debitum, an herbal remedy, has been proven to boost energy and mood while Ginkgo Biloba provides physical and mental health. These supplements are sold in the form of various capsules, drops and tablets.
Herbal supplements are stress remedies.They reduce the body’s reaction to stress by stimulating the body to release endorphins and seratonin, which provides a more relaxed environment for your system to function.
Debitum, a herbal remedy, has been proven to boost energy and mood while Ginkgo Biloba provides physical and mental health. These supplements are sold in the form of various capsules, drops and tablets.
Although many herbal supplements are listed as relaxants or also as stress relievers, which the use should be limited. Consult a naturopathic doctor for a recommendation. The use of herbal supplements should be taken very cautiously and only after further evaluation.
Detox lotion is also a potent de-stressant. Some of the best best mood enhancers include melatonin and Ephedra. The rationale is that melatonin helps to slow down the clock and activate the circadian rhythm in your body. Ephedra is another beneficial anticholinergic herbal that is better known by the name of St. John’s Wort.
During high stress times, your stress response system goes into overdrive, and your melatonin level also goes up, causing a melatonin attack. In time, your immune system will get more to fight off stressors. Melatonin supports your immune system by reducing the production of inflammatory substances. Melatonin is also a light blocker, which prevents you from getting overexposed to blue light at night. So you can avoid more harmful blue light.
Recent research found that healthy stress reduces body temperature, activates the body’s natural painkiller, endorphins and increases the body’s ability to fight disease. Endorphins are naturally produced in your body during stress, not just after a tough workout. Try herbs that contain endorphins such as ginger, mint and turmeric to boost your energy and mood.
Horseradish – This herb is known to improve your mood and fight fatigue. It contains thebaine, which is an organic compound that reduces anxiety and stress. You can get this herbal supplement in capsules or starchy fruits.
Ice Cubes – This herb is great for boosting your metabolism and burning fat. It has the unique ability to tap into your sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for activating your body’s “fight or flight” response.
Isoflavones – This herb is extremely beneficial for thyroid disorders, headaches, digestive and weight loss. You can eat it raw, sauteed or blended in the home. In addition, the fruits can be made into juice or placed on your fruits and vegetables for a delicious, natural detoxifier.
Lecithin – This fat soluble protein (source of energy) has a distinctive taste and helps to remove toxins from the body. You can find it naturally in eggs, or purchase it as an artificial supplement.
Choline – A neurotransmitter that plays an important role in brain function and memory, choline is found in meat and fish. It plays a key role in brain function and memory, especially in children.
Fiber helps regulate bowel function, improves weight loss efforts and may improve cognitive function in children.
Selenium – Selenium is a trace mineralthat plays a role in antioxidantand antiinflammatory functions in the body. They serve as antioxidants and are essential to the health of the body.
Fish oil helps to lower triglyceride levels in the blood, a protein that can increase triglycerides in the blood. A lower triglyceride is associated with lowering blood pressure, improving appetite, improving blood sugar control, lowering blood cholesterol levels and enhancing the absorption of niacin from food and supplements.
Stress in the body can increase cholesterol levels.Cancer cells cannot adapt to low oxygen levels, and oxidation of free radicals will be promoted at low oxygen levels.A long working life increases a person’s chance of getting prostate cancer, and depression will increase the chances of having any of the normal, progressive forms of cancer. Evidence suggests that a long working life is a cause of poor health and health complaints, and stress can do a number on your cells.