When the body perceives a challenge the fight or flight response directs all the bodies' energy sources towards fighting or fleeing from an enemy. The adrenal gland releases adrenalin and cortisol which causes the heart to beat faster, increases the respiratory rate, dilates blood vessels in the arms and legs, changes the digestive processes, and boosts glucose levels. After the threat the body returns to normal, however, chronic stressors over a prolonged period of time start to drain the body.
"Over the years your bodies become walking autobiographies,
telling friends and strangers alike of the minor and major stresses of your lives." Marilyn Ferguson
You know that I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV, but I like to read and research. Here is what I found out about the not so fun side of adrenalin. An adrenalin lifestyle is charac teri zed by a prolonged state of stress. Chronic stress has several negatives affects on the major health systems of your body. Chronic stressors over a prolonged period of time drain the body.
For those prone to Type 2 Diabetes if the body does not reabsorb the extra glucose diabetes can result. For the diabetic it is said that controlling stress can control blood sugar levels almost as well as medication.
Breathing harder is usually ok except in those with lung disease or asthma, in these cases it can lead to asthma attacks.
Consistent and on-going stress can cause an increase in heart rate, elevate hormone levels, and increase blood pressure. These can lead to an increased risk in hypertension, heart attack or stroke. These also affect cholesterol levels. In pre-menopausal women the levels of estrogen help the blood vessels to respond to stress. In post-menopausal women since there is a decrease in the levels of estrogen they lose this protection resulting in greater risk of heart disease.
The muscular system tenses as it starts to guard the body and prepares to fight, prolonged tensing often leads to headaches and migraines.
During times of stress people tend to change their eating behaviors. They eat more or eat less and may increase their use of alcohol or tobacco. Results may be heartburn and acid reflux. Stress or exhaustion is known to increase the severity of heart burn. The brain also becomes more alert to sensations in the stomach (butterflies, nausea and ulcers). Stress can affect which nutrients the body absorbs and how fast or slow food moves through your system.
In the female reproductive system prolonged stress can result in absent or irregular menstrual cycles, increased pain in periods, and change the length of periods. PMS symptoms are more prevalent (cramping, fluid retention, negative moods, mood swings). Menopausal women may experience an increase in the number of hot flashes and more severe or intense hot flashes. In general women may experience a decrease in sexual desire since they already have so many other things on their minds and things to do.
These are just a few of the not so fun sides of the adrenalin lifestyle.
One way to reduce the affect of adrenalin on you life is to create a Blueprint for Life Success and receive Strategic Tips to Live by So You'll Feel Happier and More Fulfilled. You will receive weekly tips and information about complimentary subscriber only article collections and e-courses that allow you to create a customized blueprint for your life success. Visit http://www.jodirosenberg.com to start creating your blueprint for life success when you sign up to receive the tip series.
Jodi Rosenberg is an action-oriented life coach with tips and strategies to help you create the life you most desire.
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