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Stress can impact the body in a variety of ways.  Most of the effects of stress are due to alterations in adrenal gland function and the production of the “stress hormones” from the adrenal glands. 

When one is subjected to high amounts of emotional and/or physical stress, the adrenals kick into high gear and produce extra adrenaline (epinephrine) and cortisol.  Adrenaline speeds the body up - increasing heart rate and blood pressure, increasing metabolism, and mobilizing the body to handle the stressful situation.  The adrenals cannot produce high levels of adrenaline for a long period of time though, so with prolonged stress, the adrenaline levels fall off. 

Cortisol levels can stay elevated for much longer than adrenaline.  Cortisol is the body’s natural version of the drug Cortisone and they have similar effects.  Cortisol depresses the immune response, slows metabolism, and when present for long periods of time can lead to soft tissue and bone degeneration. 

With prolonged stress, the combined effects of low adrenaline (after the early elevate production “burns out”) and elevated cortisol result in chronic fatigue, weight gain (particularly in the lower abdomen), a variety of aches and pains, susceptibility to infections, poor wound healing, decreased mental clarity (’brain fog”), and often depression.  At this point, people suffering from stress-induced adrenal fatigue may often be diagnosed with one or more conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, arthritis, bursitis, myofascial pain syndrome, and even autoimmune disorders.

All of the diagnoses mentioned are perfectly legitimate, but if doctors would look a little deeper, they might find that these problems stem originally from prolonged excessive stress.

As you can tell, it can be extremely important from a health standpoint to handle stress effectively.  The most beneficial stress-control measures include exercise, meditation, deep breathing, and nutritional aids.  In future posts I’ll be discussing in detail the ways you can minimize the effects of stress on your body.

 Stay tuned to my natural remedies blog for more information.

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