Best regards,
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Beware of Stress
What is STRESS?
The stress response of the body is somewhat like an airplane readying for take off. Virtually all systems (e.g. heart and blood vessels, the immune system, the lungs, the digestive system, the sensory organs and brain) are modified to meet the perceived danger.
What is the effect of acute stress?
The best way to envision the effect of acute stress is to imagine oneself in a primitive situation, such as being chased by a bear.
The brain response to acute stress
In response to seeing the bear, a part of the brain called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system is activated.
The HPA systems trigger the production and release of steroid hormone (glucocorticoid), including the primary stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol is very important in marshaling system throughout the body (including heart, lungs, circulation, metabolism, immune system and skin) to deal quickly with the bear.
The HPA system also release certain neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) called catecholamine, particularly those that known as dopamine, nor epinephrine, and epinephrine (also known as adrenaline).
Catecholamines activate an area inside the brain called amygdale, which apparently triggers an emotional response to a stressful event. (in case of being chased by a bear, this emotion is most likely fear) .
Neurotransmitters then signal hippocampus (a nearby area) to store the emotionally loaded experience in long term memory. In primitive times, this combination of responses would have been essential for survival, when long lasting memories of dangerous stimuli (i.e. the large bear) would be critical for avoiding such threats in the future.
During a stressful event, catecholamine also suppress activity in areas at the front of the brain that concerned with short term memory, concentration, inhibition and rational thought, this sequence of mental events allow person to react quickly to the bear, either to fight or flee from it.
The heart, lungs, and circulation system’s response to acute stress
As the bear come closer, heart rate and blood pressure increase instantaneously.
- Breathing become rapid and the lungs take in more oxygen
- Blood flow may actually increase 300% to 400%, priming the muscles, lungs, and brain for added demands.
The immune system’s response to acute stress
The effect on the immune system from confrontation with the bear is similar to marshaling a defensive line of soldiers to potentially critical areas.
Steroid hormones dampen parts of the immune system, so that infection fighters (including white blood cells) or other immune molecules can be redistributed.
These immune-boosting troops are sent to the body’s front lines where injuries or infections are most likely to happen, such as skin, bone marrow and lymph nodes.
The acute responses in mouth and throat
As the bear get closer, fluids are diverted from no essential location, including mouth. This cause dryness and difficulty in talking. In addition, stress can cause spasm of the throat muscles, making difficulties in swallowing.
The skin’s response to acute stress
The stress effect diverts blood flow away from the skin to support heart and muscles. The physical effect is pale, clammy, cold skin, the scalp also tighten so that the hair seems to stand up.
Metabolic response to acute stress
Stress shut down digestive activity, a non essential body function during short term period of physical exertion or crisis.
The relaxation response: Resolution of Acute Stress
Once the threat has passed and the effects has not be harmful (i.e. the bear has only joking and then go away!!!^^), the stress hormones return to normal. This is known as Relaxation Response. In turn, the body systems also back to normal.
Best regards,
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