Chronic Daily Stress and the Autonomic Nervous System: How Does It Affect Us and What Can We Do?
Stress is a natural response of the body, but what happens when we are in a constant state of tension? Experiencing chronic daily stress not only
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Cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone, plays a crucial role in our body. It is produced in the adrenal glands and is responsible for regulating various processes such as stress response, carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism, and blood pressure control. However, when cortisol levels remain high for a prolonged period, it can have negative effects on health. In this article, we explain what happens to your body when you have excess cortisol and how chiropractic can help you balance your well-being.
Cortisol is a steroid hormone that the body releases in response to stress. When you are faced with a dangerous or stressful situation, the hypothalamus, located in the brain, sends signals to the adrenal glands to release cortisol. This release prepares the body for a “fight or flight” response, meaning you are more alert, your heart rate increases, and blood sugar levels rise to provide you with the energy needed to deal with the situation.
While cortisol is essential for acute stress situations, the problem arises when the body produces excess cortisol for long periods, which can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health.
Excess cortisol in the body, when prolonged over time, can cause various health problems, affecting different body systems. Below, we explain the main negative effects it can have:
One of the most noticeable effects of excess cortisol is the accumulation of fat in the abdominal area. This is because cortisol promotes fat storage and can increase appetite, leading to excessive calorie consumption. In addition, increased abdominal fat is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Elevated cortisol suppresses the immune system, which can make you more vulnerable to infections and delay wound healing. In the long term, it can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as recurrent infections or autoimmune disorders.
Cortisol negatively affects the digestive system. People with high cortisol levels may experience problems such as indigestion, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. In addition, chronic stress and excess cortisol can increase the risk of developing more serious problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or stomach ulcers.
Elevated cortisol levels can disrupt your sleep cycle, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. This sleep disruption, in turn, can lead to chronic fatigue, poor concentration, and worsen stress.
Cortisol also has a significant impact on mental health. Long-term elevated cortisol levels are linked to an increased risk of developing anxiety, panic attacks, and even depression. Chronically high cortisol can throw off the balance of neurotransmitters, which are crucial for maintaining a stable mood.
Elevated cortisol can also affect the structure of the body, promoting the breakdown of bone and muscle tissue. This increases the risk of fractures, osteopenia or osteoporosis, and loss of muscle mass, which can affect overall body mobility and strength.
Cortisol can raise blood pressure due to its effect on sodium and water retention in the kidneys. This increase in blood pressure can contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks or strokes.
Through precise, painless and safe neurological stimuli, chiropractic activates neurological pathways that improve the functioning of the parasympathetic system, especially through the vagus nerve.
This helps the body recover from stressful episodes, relaxes muscles and reduces inflammation, which in turn relieves pain and decreases the risk of developing related diseases. Chiropractic, therefore, not only relieves symptoms, but also promotes better health in the long term.
In addition to chiropractic, there are other natural ways to reduce elevated cortisol levels:
Excess cortisol can have a significant impact on physical and mental health, causing problems such as weight gain, muscle weakness, digestive disorders, and anxiety. However, with the help of chiropractic and some lifestyle changes, it is possible to reduce cortisol levels and improve your quality of life. If you are experiencing symptoms of excess cortisol, consider seeing a chiropractor to explore natural, noninvasive options to restore balance to your body.
We encourage you to take care of yourself from now on, without waiting until you feel sick or have various symptoms.
These are some of the answers we hope to answer your questions about chiropractic, for more information visit our FAQ
Yes very sure. The Chiropractic adjustment acts on the nervous system, in order to allow the body's own recovery capacity to function normally.
Millions of people of all ages and with different problems go to the chiropractor, which has negative impacts.
Because? Chiropractic has an excellent safety record, avoiding invasive procedures.
Several studies have demonstrated that chiropractic care is 250 times safer than anti-inflammatories medical treatment.
The goal of chiropractic is to promote better body functionality.
The Central Nervous System regulates every cell of our body.
Chiropractic focuses on correcting the vertebral subluxations and interferences generated on the vertebrae and avoiding correct body functioning.
The vast majority of its users feel better, recover faster and minimize the use of medications and surgeries.
Many people who enjoy chiropractic care feel less stress, have more vitality and live better daily.
No, it isn't. Chiropractic is a sanitary profession complementary to and different from medicine (according to WHO).
It is studied in specialized chiropractic universities. The chiropractic professional receives a minimum training of 5 years that guarantees the quality and safety of the service it offers.
During the chiropractic university career, you don't study surgery or pharmacy but deeper physiology, anatomy, radiology, neurology, and specific manual chiropractic techniques.
As this profession hasn't been approved yet in Spain, you must go to a "true" chiropractic.
Many people use this legacy to practice manipulations of the vertebral column without the correct studies and knowledge.
For this reason, it is essential that, if you are looking for a chiropractor, you check the web of Asociación Española de Quiropráctica, where you can find recognized professionals with studies.
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Stress is a natural response of the body, but what happens when we are in a constant state of tension? Experiencing chronic daily stress not only
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