Cortisol: friend and foe

The body interprets such a signal as a necessity to battle with a threat. Stimulated by the nervous system adrenals produce an increased amount of adrenaline and noradrenaline. A surge of these hormones accelerates breathing and dilates the bronchi. The heart also beats faster, your pulse speeds up, more oxygen reaches skeletal muscles, the liver releases glycogen into the blood, fats are decomposed into fatty acids and glycerol. A lot is happening, isn’t it? And this is just the beginning. After a few minutes or hours hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is activated. The most essential part of this activity is the increased cortisol production, which by increasing the level of glucose in the blood and decomposition of fatty acids causes the whole organism to fight stress. Unfortunately, hormones secreted in the course of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity weaken the function of lymphocytes, and in this way – the immune system.

This set of responses to stressor were worked out by the organisms of our distant ancestors. It helped people to fight or flight in the face of danger. And when the danger was over the organism of a primitive man was getting to the setting: “calmness”, which allowed for regeneration and proper functioning. These days, a complicated life pattern provide so many stressors almost every day. Many of us live in a constant stress, provoking the body to a constant battle. Our bodies are not prepared for this in terms of its biochemical composition. The constant overproduction of stress hormones and all the effects evoked by them cause that:

• more glucose constantly released from glycogen leads to diabetes
• constant weakening of lymphocytes, thus the entire immune system may cause easily catching infections and difficulties in dealing with them
• functioning of the heart is constantly disturbed, which results in its serious disorders
• blood pressure is constantly at a high level
• functioning of the digestive system is disturbed
• long-lasting muscles tension may results in pain
• reproductive system functioning may be affected and in consequence there may be problems with getting pregnant, libido is lowered

Those are a few effects of permanent stress. Besides, it has a significant influence on our perception of reality and our behaviour, because our brain work is affected as well as the entire nervous system. Hence the problems with concentration, memory problems, nervousness, migraines, anxiety. Many people complain about insomnia that, unfortunately, increases the level of stress. Compulsive behaviours appear and some people give in to addictions.

If cortisol, the main stress hormone, is released occasionally and for a short time, it helps to reduce fat tissue directing energy to muscles. Unfortunately, overproduction f cortisol affects this process. Fat tissue is growing together with cravings.

How can we help it? First and foremost, we shouldn’t let stress take over our lives. Which means that we should give ourselves a chance to regenerate not only our bodies but also our minds. We can support ourselves by proper nutrition. Products containing vitamins from the B group (especially B3 and B6) as well as Omega-3 acids help to keep cortisol at the proper level. Athletes should take care of a proper diet correlated with their competition cycle.