What processes occur in the body during a period of critical stress?
Posted by admin
Dennis L asked:
Can someone who knows this stuff please inform me on the processes that occur in the body during a period of severe stress. I have heard things like:
stress makes you gain weight,
stress makes you lose muscle mass,
stress causes increased blood sugar levels,
stress causes the breakdown of protein in the body and increased fat storage.
However, I am not exactly sure how many of these are true and am interested in finding out the real facts behind stress.
September 29th, 2008 at 3:36 am
Chronic or acute stress can cause increased release and action of glucocorticoids.
This might cause you to lose muscle mass since it stimulates gluconeogenesis which would cause a breakdown of protein to generate amino acids which are then converted to glucose.
Because of the body’s perceived need for glucose, blood sugar levels would rise to a higher set point.
Basically glucocorticoids also cause alterations in fat metabolism that could lead to weight gain too.
September 30th, 2008 at 9:48 am
I KNOW that ongoing stress is a powerful immune-system suppressant. If your body is busy reacting with the “fight-or-flight” response, the immune system does not work anywhere near what it would if your environment was relaxed, friendly, and healthful.
October 3rd, 2008 at 5:47 pm
stress is the main cause of cancer
October 5th, 2008 at 6:50 am
Everyday we always encountered stress, in our workplace, in our home, in some activities and other events… you’re stressed and don’t know what to do… Remember, “It’s just a (insert noun here) and it’s not on fire.” This mantra works in many scenarios, and a lot of my friends are saying it’s working for them too.