UNDERSTANDING THE STRESS RESPONSE
IN RELATION TO CORTISOL – THE STRESS HORMONE

1. Stressful event occurs
2. Nervous system responds to event (Fight or flight response)
3. Adrenals release stress hormones including cortisol
4. Cortisol elevates blood sugar and prepares the body for fight or flight
5. Cortisol promotes pro-inflammatory prostaglandins
6. Stress increases cortisol
7. Cortisol breaks down muscle tissue and promotes the storage of fat
8. The adrenals will flood the system with cortisol in any traumatic situation (high Cortisol levels)
9. Cycle repeats itself until the acute or chronic stressor persists

Inappropriate cortisol levels could cause:

Increased body fat

High Blood pressure

Increased Risk of Heart Disease

Aging of the skin

Stress advances aging and skin problems (skin woes: stressed complexion)

Women these days are exposed to a whole new kind of anxiety - and their skin is suffering for it. When you're stressed, your body pumps out large amounts of cortisol, a steroid hormone that causes you to produce excess oil, that effects the skin in various detrimental ways – blackheads, whiteheads, acne etc. said Dennis Gross, M.D., clinical associate professor of dermatology, New York University Medical Center.

Increased risk for bone fractures

Insomnia

Immune dysfunction

Daytime brain fog

Abdominal weight gain

AN EXTRA SPARE TIRE DUE TO STRESS?

Stress creates excessive abdominal fat storage. Some secrete cortisol every time they face the same difficult situation, rather than adapting to it. Now a study has found that women with high levels of body fat accumulating at their waists also have high levels of cortisol in their systems. Other factors can increase cortisol levels, including smoking, alcohol, lack of exercise, and insufficient sleep. Stress can contribute to central body fat.

IN SUMMARY, STRESS NEGATIVELY AFFECTS:

Emotions

Concentration

Attitude

Spirit

Performance

Life, well being and vitality!

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