|
Effects of stress
By The Associated Press - 01/30/2007
The effects of stress are wide-reaching. Here are ways in which some key body systems react.
NERVOUS SYSTEM When stressed — physically or psychologically — the body suddenly shifts its energy resources to fighting off the perceived threat. In what is known as the ‘‘fight or flight’’ response, the sympathetic nervous system signals the adrenal glands to release adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones make the heart beat faster, raise blood pressure, change the digestive process and boost glucose levels in the bloodstream. Once the crisis passes, body systems usually return to normal.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM Under stress, muscles tense up. The contraction of muscles for extended periods can trigger tension headaches, migraines and various musculoskeletal conditions.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM Stress can make you breathe harder and cause rapid breathing — or hyperventilation — which can bring on panic attacks in some people.
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM Acute stress — stress that is momentary, such as being stuck in traffic — causes an increase in heart rate and stronger contractions of the heart muscle. Blood vessels that direct blood to the large muscles and to the heart dilate, increasing the amount of blood pumped to these parts of the body. Repeated episodes of acute stress can cause inflammation in the coronary arteries, thought to lead to heart attack.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Adrenal glands — When the body is stressed, the brain sends signals from the hypothalamus, causing the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol and the adrenal medulla to produce epinephrine — sometimes called the ‘‘stress hormones.’’
Liver — When cortisol and epinephrine are released, the liver produces more glucose, a blood sugar that would give you the energy for ‘‘fight or flight’’ in an emergency.
GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
Esophagus — Stress may prompt you to eat much more or much less than you usually do. If you eat more or different foods or increase your use of tobacco or alcohol, you may experience heartburn, or acid reflux.
Stomach — Your stomach can react with ‘‘butterflies’’ or even nausea or pain. You may vomit if the stress is severe enough.
Bowels — Stress can affect digestion and which nutrients your intestines absorb. It can also affect how quickly food moves through your body. You may find that you have either diarrhea or constipation.
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
In men, excess amounts of cortisol, produced under stress, can affect the normal functioning of the reproductive system. Chronic stress can impair testosterone and sperm production and cause impotence.
In women, stress can cause absent or irregular menstrual cycles or more-painful periods. It can also reduce sexual desire.
SOURCE: American Psychological Association — The Washington Post
| Civil Dialogue: | show/hide -No comments posted.- |
|
The site mtstandard.com provides this community forum for readers to exchange ideas and opinions on the news of the day. Passionate views, pointed criticism and critical thinking are welcome. Name-calling, crude language and personal abuse are not welcome. Moderators will monitor comments with an eye toward maintaining a high level of civility in this forum. If you don't see your comment, perhaps... more
|
|
|
TOP JOBS
|
The Montana Standard reserves the right to remove comments considered inappropriate for the community forum.