Stress: hormones.Exams, homework, zits--the sources of stress are endless. A moderate dose of tension--from a growling dog, say, or fear of test-flunking--helps you skirt trouble. But long-term or chronic strain can sabotage your health, say experts. When you feel stressed out, your body kicks off a rapid chain reaction. First, a brain region called the amygdala amygdala /amyg·da·la/ (ah-mig´dah-lah) 1. almond. 2. an almond-shaped structure. 3. corpus amygdaloideum. a·myg·da·la n. pl. detects "danger" and emits nerve impulses that switch on your fight-or-flight response fight-or-flight response, n the psychophysiologic response to a perceived threat that prepares the organism for action. fight-or-flight response (see p. 14). Adrenal glands Adrenal glands The two glands that are located on top of the kidneys. These glands secrete several hormones, including the glucocorticoids which, among other things, influence the way the immune system works, and the mineralocorticoids, which affect retention of near the kidneys release the potent stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol cortisol (kôr`tĭsôl') or hydrocortisone, steroid hormone that in humans is the major circulating hormone of the cortex, or outer layer, of the adrenal gland. . They make your heart race and blood pressure spike. Oxygen-rich blood then floods the muscles, fueling them to fight the danger or flee from it. While this response mechanism comes in handy when faced with life-threatening danger, stress expert Bruce McEwen at The Rockefeller University in New York City New York City: see New York, city. New York City City (pop., 2000: 8,008,278), southeastern New York, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The largest city in the U.S. says prolonged exposure to stress hormones is full of downsides: heart strain, brain memory-cell damage, and a weakened disease-fighting immune system immune system Cells, cell products, organs, and structures of the body involved in the detection and destruction of foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. Immunity is based on the system's ability to launch a defense against such invaders. , to name a few. Of course, some stress is inevitable, but McEwen offers pressure-coping tips: Try exercise, humor, and meditation. For more on these steam-releasers, see p. 11, p. 17, and p. 29. DON'T TEAR YOUR HAIR Try these stress reducers: * MAKE LISTS Sit down with a calendar and organize daily activities. * SET PRIORITIES Decide what's most important and do those things first. * TREAT YOURSELF End an evening of study with pleasure reading or music. * GO TO BED! A good night's sleep eases stress. |
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