Stress is the body's reaction to difficult situations, physical or mental overload, too strong stimuli. This is how the body responds to physical injuries and life troubles. Our he alth depends on how the body handles stress. What is the stress response and how does it manifest itself?
Under the influence ofstressthe secretion of substances (including adrenaline) increases, which briefly improves the body's performance.
The stress responsehelps us survive. The heart beats faster, blood pressure rises and breathing becomes faster, so that more oxygen goes to the cells. Other vital functions, such as digestion, are relegated to the background so as not to interfere with the fight against the threat.
Reactions to stress: moderate stress
Under the influence of moderatestresswe can act faster, perceptiveness and concentration improve, brain efficiency increases. Moderate stress stimulates us and helps us achieve what we intend to achieve, or to take care of our interests and protect ourselves, for example, from aggressors.
Stress responses: chronic stress
With prolonged stress, the body remains on high alert for too long - the level of stress hormones in the blood does not return to normal and is still elevated. This, in turn, lowers the body's immunity, increases muscle tone and blood pressure.
The risk of ischemic disease, heart attack, menstrual disorders and potency also increases. In the stomach, under the influence of adrenaline , excess digestive acids are released, which irritate the mucosa. Heartburn and abdominal pain appear. This is why people who cannot cope with stress are more likely to suffer from gastric and duodenal ulcers.
There are also some characteristic symptoms:
- tinnitus
- headaches
- despondency
- depressive states.
The stressful situations that we cannot deal with also cause:
- overeating
- escape into addiction
- sleep disturbance
- nail biting
- trouble concentrating.
Are you stressed? Maybe you suffer from a magnesium deficiency:
See the gallery of 9 photos"Zdrowie" monthly