Stress is a biological response to difficult situations. This causes the body to release hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Stress hormones help prepare the body for action by increasing the heart rate and breathing rate, creating a heightened state of alertness or arousal. This response to certain situations is designed to protect you from threats from predators, whether physical or psychological.
But how can you lower your cortisol levels if you have chronic stress? Obviously, reduce the number of stressful situations, and for faster and more effective recovery, contact us at Altimed MC.
What is cortisol?
Cortisol is the primary stress hormone that is released by the adrenal cortex whenever you experience stress. If you are chronically stressed, your body constantly releases the hormone. Chronically high cortisol is very detrimental to your cognitive and physical health, as well as your well-being. However, in the short term, the release of cortisol is very beneficial and serves as a form of protection for your body.
Chronically elevated cortisol levels are especially dangerous for your brain. In such cases, the hormone damages areas in the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory.
Elevated cortisol levels have been shown to also lead to sleep problems and noticeably poorer sleep quality. This is because too much cortisol prevents you from falling asleep in the evening, and at night leads to a situation where you are in a constant state of alertness.
Communicate with animals
It has been scientifically proven that contact with animals is associated with reduced cortisol levels. Scientists have studied how interaction with animals affects stress, and found that long-term interaction with dogs, even strangers, as well as owning a pet, have a positive effect on cortisol levels. In addition, the interaction between a person and a dog increases the level of oxytocin in both.
Photo by Vitalie Sitnic / Unsplash
Having pets is associated not only with reduced stress levels, but also with other health benefits. It is easier for owners of cats, dogs, parrots and other pets to focus their attention. Animals also have a positive effect on blood pressure and help avoid feelings of loneliness.
Effect of cortisol on the body
to overestimate the functions of cortisol ; it takes an active effect in metabolic processes in the body. The hormone enhances the effects of adrenaline and norepinephrine, which allows a person to independently cope with a stressful situation without medication.
Cortisol had an anti-inflammatory effect and regulates the production of amino acids and their uptake by skeletal muscle tissue. The stress hormone is responsible for the process:
- protein management (it enhances catabolism and is involved in the process of protein breakdown);
- carbohydrate metabolism in the body;
- fat metabolism;
- water-electrolyte metabolism.
In addition to these properties, the effect of cortisol on the body is observed in other processes. So, its normal level is:
- pronounced anti-inflammatory effect;
- strengthening the body's protective functions;
- increased blood pressure;
- increased secretion of stomach acid;
- release of calcium from bone tissue.
Cortisol reduces the body's resistance. It is very important for the body and in case of severe deficiency, immediate elimination of the imbalance is required.
What is adrenaline?
Adrenaline is a substance that is produced in the adrenal medulla, as well as in some neurons of the central nervous system. Within a few minutes during a stressful situation, adrenaline is quickly released into the blood, sending impulses to the organs to create a specific reaction.
Adrenaline is usually released when we are in a stressful situation; it is said to govern our fight-or-flight conditions. When we encounter a situation that causes us stress, this hormone rushes to certain parts of our body, causing us to react, this is called the release of adrenaline. For example, a dry throat during public speaking or a rapid heartbeat in a frightening situation are all due to the release of the hormone adrenaline. As stress gradually subsides, its effects are neutralized by norepinephrine, a body hormone.
What is adrenaline stress
Adrenaline release occurs at the moment of maximum tension. It is noteworthy that this process can be triggered by both ordinary viewing of a horror film and serious stressful situations. An excess of stress hormones negatively affects the general condition of the body and can lead to the development of chronic stress.
Adrenaline stress to a state in which the maximum release of a hormone occurs under the influence of any situation. At this moment, a person’s strength doubles, and he is able to solve a problem of any complexity. But if adrenaline during stress is the norm, then its excess in a calm state is a real danger to the body. A person may develop the following pathologies:
- high blood pressure;
- severe headaches;
- nausea;
- sleep problems.
In its classic form, the stress hormone adrenaline enhances the body's protective functions. But an abnormal excess can cause diseases of the cardiovascular system. Increased levels of adrenaline lead to the accumulation of fat and sugar in the blood, which leads to excessive weight gain.
In some cases, a person develops adrenaline addiction, and as it develops, the following occurs:
- increased heart rate;
- rapid breathing;
- dilated pupils;
- increase in pressure.
Regularly experiencing adrenaline stress is dangerous to your health!
Overall, cortisol and adrenaline perform many important tasks in the body. For example, in stressful situations they prepare you to be at the top of your game. Hormones also help the brain use glucose as an energy source. In short, cortisol improves your performance. When you need to perform well in a difficult situation, the stress hormones norepinephrine and adrenaline are first quickly released. This is followed by a release of cortisol. The combination of these hormones increases heart rate, blood pressure, and has many other effects. Essentially, cortisol activates you in challenging situations. Read on to learn how to lower cortisol.
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When should you contact Altimed MC?
It is necessary to seek qualified help when characteristic symptoms appear. The main signs of elevated cortisol :
- Rapid weight gain, mainly on the face, chest and abdomen.
- Flushed and round face.
- High blood pressure.
- Osteoporosis.
- Skin changes (such as bruising and purple stretch marks).
- Muscle weakness.
- Anxiety, depression or irritability.
- Increased thirst and frequent urination.
You may also experience increased body hair growth or trouble sleeping (as cortisol affects the body's sleep-wake cycle). Elevated stress hormones in women can include decreased sex drive and menstrual irregularities.
If you have elevated cortisol symptoms , which are described above, contact us at the Altimed Medical Center.
Diagnostics and treatment of stress hormones at Altimed MC
To find out what caused the increase in hormones, it is necessary to undergo a complete diagnosis of the body. This can be done quickly and painlessly here at Altimed MC. We use our own equipment for a complete diagnosis of the body.
Functional screening helps measure stress-related cortisol levels , as well as vitamin and mineral levels. With its help, you can get a complete picture of the functioning of the entire organism.
ATM Vega Test reveals hidden diseases, helps determine their severity and understand what caused them. Based on the results obtained, our specialists can create an effective treatment plan, the results of which you will notice in the first days.
Identify stress triggers
A threat to life or a change in environment are stimuli that provoke anxiety and can become a trigger or stressor. Such irritants include physical pain, problems in relationships or at work, and financial difficulties. It is, of course, impossible to predict when you will hit your foot on a chair. But some types of triggers can be learned to recognize.
5 reasons why health and well-being depend on love
One of the first steps to relieve stress is to understand what causes it. I don’t want to remember or think about unpleasant situations again. But a stress diary will help you recognize irritants so you can learn to react less to them. It is not necessary to remember all the details of an unpleasant event - it is enough to write down the fact and try to analyze why what happened caused you a negative reaction.
Using a stress diary can help you find practical ways to deal with these situations. For example, avoid quarrels, learn to build personal boundaries in relationships and at work, and say “no” in time. Moreover, you will be able to identify hidden causes of stress such as hanging on social networks.
How are stress hormones treated at Altimed MC?
The process of reducing cortisol takes time and a comprehensive approach. Our specialists will prepare a course for you, after which you will be able to restore the normal level of cortisol in the body and thereby get rid of many discomforts (excess weight, sleep problems, and others).
To reduce stress, we recommend taking a course of treatment using our ATM TR device for transcranial magnetic stimulation. Frequency-wave processes affect the body, establish synchronization of all organs so that they work in their own rhythm. A device for electromagnetic (PEMF) therapy at home ATM Helper ML helps restore the level of stress hormones in the human body. The main thing is that you can use it in the future if you find yourself in stressful situations. Also, it has a wide range of actions and is no less effective in curing many other diseases. You will be told about this in more detail during your consultation.
Find something you like
Learning to relax is really helpful, especially if you want to manage stress. Taking up a new hobby is one way that can also help you learn a new skill. It doesn't matter what you do, as long as you enjoy it.
Photo by Steve Johnson / Unsplash
American scientists conducted a study of 50 former combatants who suffered from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or substance abuse. They spent a month doing gardening and occupational therapy. The results showed a decrease in stress and a decrease in cortisol.
Think about what kind of activity you would like - perhaps drawing, music or gardening.
