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The health epidemic of the 21st century
According to Occupational Health and Safety news up to 90% of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related complaints and almost 180,000 people in the U.K die each year from some form of stress-related illness.
Cortisol is a hormone that helps us wake up in the morning. In healthy amounts and with other hormones, it gives us motivation and energy to tackle the day. Made in glands that sit just above the kidneys (called the 'adrenal glands'), this stress hormone is highest in the morning then begins to decrease during the day to help us wind down for the evening. It helps set the body's natural sleep/wake cycle or the 'circadian' rhythm. However, if we are living 'on-the-go' too much, these cortisol levels can end up being too high for too long which can cause disruptions in various parts of the body.
Cortisol enhances the activity of the part of the nervous system (called the 'sympathetic' nervous system) which is responsible for the "fight or flight" response. Cortisol and the sympathetic nervous system helps to activate the parts of the body that increase energy and keep us alert (e.g. heart, muscles) leading to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and the use of energy resources. Now here is why high cortisol isn't good in the long run...
Cortisol will also deactivate it's counter partner (the parasympathetic nervous system) which is the nervous system responsible for telling the body to 'Rest & Digest'. This can cause issues in other important body systems. Such as:
1) The Digestive System e.g. Secreting digestive enzymes
2) The Reproductive Systems e.g. Maintaining healthy hormone levels like testosterone/oestrogen and serotonin
3) The Immune System e.g. Fighting bad bacteria/viruses effectively
4) Body/Brain Performance e.g. Problem solving, communication, falling asleep
5) Cell Health e.g. Protecting against mitochondrial & DNA dysfunction.
We don't only measure stress hormones but many other biomarkers in the body. Check our lab test store to see what else we can measure for you.
The parasympathetic nervous system operates in opposition to the sympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic system is activated when the mind and body are in a safe and restful state. This is the state where the body begins to 'repair' the systems that are out of balance. e.g. Regulating blood pressure & blood sugar levels, stimulating nutrient absorption by increasing release of adequate stomach acid and digestive enzymes and inhibiting excessive inflammation.
Too low cortisol levels (known as adrenal insufficiency) can be caused by various factors.
While acute stress typically leads to an increase in cortisol production, chronic stress can result in in decreased cortisol levels also known as adrenal fatigue or burnout. The main symptom being all day fatigue, especially upon waking up.
Other causes of low cortisol levels could be due to:
Testing your cortisol levels is a simple and easy way to find out how your body is performing.
Ever heard of the ACE study?
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are negative life experiences that occur in the life of a child before the age of 18.
These include but are not limited to; emotional/physical neglect, sexual or emotional abuse, victim or witnessing domestic violence, parental separation, substance or alcohol abuse, mental health problems, loneliness, no sense of boundaries, bullying and/or financial hardship.
This scientific study showed the higher the ACE score, the more likelihood one is to developing: IBS/Gut issues, Heart Disease, Obesity, Depression, Anxiety, Cancer, Hormone Problems, Addictions, Diabetes, MS, Autoimmune Diseases and many more illnesses.
One can have the best diet in the world but if the mind or body are stressed, then gut function will be poor and nutrients will not be well absorbed or retained.
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