At the time of a stressful event, the hypothalamus sends a nerve impulse directly to your adrenals, which causes them to secrete adrenaline.
Adrenaline is the reason for the heightened state you feel after the
event, it results in high blood pressure, respiration and heart rate.
The body also releases glucose during this stressful time.
This causes the release of the corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) – which tells the pituitary to release –the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) – which tells the adrenals to produce cortisol.
One-off releases of cortisol can be a good thing for the body, as they help regulate immune function, repair tendons/ligaments and may even accelerate fat loss.
The problems occur when cortisol is elevated for prolonged periods of time. It is chronic, low level stress that never quite goes away that leads to physical problems.
If you want to learn how fitness can help with your stress levels, why not contact us to arrange a free assessment to see how we can help you.
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