HOW STRESS FORM (BIOLOGICAL MECHANISME)

The HPA axis is a multi-step biochemical pathway where information is transmitted from one area of the body to the next via chemical messengers[disambiguation needed]. Each step in this pathway, as in many biochemical pathways, not only passes information along to stimulate the next region but also receives feedback from messengers produced later in the pathway to either enhance or suppress earlier steps in the pathway this is one way a biochemical pathway can regulate itself, via a feedback mechanism. When the hypothalamus receives signals from one of its many inputs (e.g., cerebral cortex, limbic system, visceral organs) about conditions that deviate from an ideal homeostatic state (e.g., alarming sensory stimulus, emotionally charged event, energy deficiency), this can be interpreted as the initiation step of the stress-response cascade. The hypothalamus is stimulated by its inputs and then proceeds to secrete corticotropin-releasing hormones. This hormone is transported to its target, the pituitary gland, via the hypophyseal portal system (short blood vessels system), to which it binds and causes the pituitary gland to, in turn, secrete its own messenger, adrenocorticotropic hormone, systemically into the bodys blood stream. When adrenocorticotropic hormone reaches and binds to its target, the adrenal gland, the adrenal gland in turn releases the final key messenger in the cascade, cortisol. Cortisol, once released, has widespread effects in the body. During an alarming situation in which a threat is detected and signaled to the hypothalamus from primary sensory and limbic structures, cortisol is one way the brain instructs the body to attempt to regain homeostasis by redistributing energy (glucose) to areas of the body that need it most, that is, toward critical organs (the heart, the brain) and away from digestive and reproductive organs, during a potentially harmful situation in an attempt to overcome the challenge at hand.

After enough cortisol has been secreted to best restore homeostasis and the bodys stressor is no longer present or the threat is no longer perceived, the heightened levels of cortisol in the bodys blood stream eventually circulate to the pituitary gland and hypothalamus to which cortisol can bind and inhibit, essentially turning off the HPA-axis stress-response cascade via feedback inhibition. This prevents additional cortisol from being released. This is biologically identified as a normal, healthy stress mechanism in response to a situation or stressor a biological coping mechanism for a threat to homeostasis. It is when the bodys HPA-axis cannot overcome a challenge and/or is chronically exposed to a threat that this system becomes overtaxed and can be harmful to the body and brain. A second major effect of cortisol is to suppress the bodys immune system during a stressful situation, again, for the purpose of redistributing metabolic resources primarily to fight-or-flight organs. While not a major risk to the body if only for a short period of time, if under chronic stress, the body becomes exceptionally vulnerable to immune system attacks. This is a biologically negative consequence of an exposure to a severe stressor and can be interpreted as stress in and of itself a detrimental inability of biological mechanisms to effectively adapt to changes in homeostasis. Mechanisms of chronic stress Studies revealing the relationship between the immune system and the central nervous system indicate that stress can alter the function of white blood cells involved in immune function, known as lymphocytes and macrophages. People undergoing stressful life events, such as marital turmoil or bereavement, have a weaker lymphoproliferative response. After antigens initiate an immune response, these white blood cells send signals, composed of cytokines and other hormonal proteins, to the brain and neuroendocrine system.[14] Cytokines are molecules involved with cell signaling. Cortisol, a hormone released during stressful situations, affects the immune system greatly by preventing the production of cytokines. During chronic stress, cortisol is over produced, causing fewer receptors to be produced on immune cells so that inflammation cannot be ended. A study involving cancer patients parents confirmed this finding. Blood samples were taken from the participants. Researchers treated the samples of the parents of cancer patients with a cortisol-like substance and stimulated cytokine production. Cancer patient parents blood was significantly less effective at stopping cytokine from being produced. FOOD AND SUPPLEMENTS REDUCE THE STRESS Cortisol Stress signals your body to release cortisol, a hormone that prepares your body for action. Your heart races, you become highly alert, and blood rushes to your muscles. After the stressor has stopped, the body shuts off production of cortisol. But when you are chronically stressed, cortisol levels stay elevated, directing you to search for pleasurable foods full of calories and fat. The high levels of cortisol send excess calories to your abdomen. Because abdominal fat is near the liver, it can be quickly used for energy.

Carbohydrate Cravings Stress can cause your body to crave serotonin-boosting carbohydrates, according to Psychology Today. Carbohydrates contain tryptophans, amino acids that are translated into serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a calming brain chemical. While increasing carbohydrate intake can improve your stress response, it can also lead to overeating and weight gain, especially if you choose the refined carbohydrates or high-sugar foods. Vitamin C In situations that normally cause anxiety, those who have taken vitamin C supplements may show less signs of stress like high blood pressure and increased cortisol, according to Psychology Today. In an animal study quoted by the magazine, rats in a stressful situation that were not given vitamin C showed three times the level of stress hormones as rats given vitamin C. Vitamin C is destroyed by cooking and exposure to light. Psychology Today recommends time-released vitamin C supplements because it typically works in short bursts. Recommendations Instead of turning to high-fat, high-calorie foods to fight stress, learn to cope in other ways. Try exercise, relaxation techniques, fostering close friendships and getting enough sleep. Think about professional counseling. It's fine to eat carbohydrates, but choose good carbs, like whole grains or brown rice, and consume small portions. To feel the effects of serotonin, eat them on an empty stomach, recommends Psychology Today. Don't combine your carbohydrates with fat, or you'll be less likely to feel the effects. Eat reasonable levels of carbohydrates throughout the day to keep serotonin levels balanced, preparing you for stressful situations later. From Herbals to Hormones As the earlier product examples demonstrate, the ingredients being used in anti-energy products range from herbals and hormones to milk protein complexes and amino acids. L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, is one of the most en vogue sleep and relaxation ingredients. Several suppliers have GRAS status for their L-theanine ingredients, including Blue California (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) with L-TeaActive, Taiyo International (Minneapolis) with Suntheanine, and Ethical Naturals (San Anselmo, CA) with its AlphaWave ingredients. Pharmachems Lactium is another ingredient with GRAS status. According to Pharmachem, Lactium has been the subject of several published clinical studies that have shown it to be safe, without side effects, and effective at regulating the major symptoms of stress on the digestive and cardiovascular systems (including blood pressure), as well as enhancing social, emotional, and intellectual capabilities. Most recently, Lactium was shown to improve various aspects of sleep disorders in a clinical study published in The Open Sleep Journal.

Bio Serae Laboratoires has developed Serenzo, an ingredient made from citrus for stress-relief support. Serenzo helps reduce the inflammation induced by stress and consequently contributes to slow down the vicious circle of stress, and thus limits the stress response, says Jaunatre. Nutraceuticals International LLC (Elmwood Park, NJ), meanwhile, is offering saffron extract for a stress positioning. Studies have said it aids in light depression and mood. We used two forms: liquid and dry form. A daily intake is 30 mg a day. After only eight days, the results of clinical trials show an improvement in mood, says marketing director Nichole De Block. From Next Pharmaceuticals (Salinas, CA) comes Seditol, an ingredient designed to promote relaxation and sleep while reducing the fatigue associated with poor sleep. It comprises a patented extract from Magnolia officinalis bark and a proprietary extract from Ziziphus spinosa seed and works by binding to brain receptors that promote relaxation and sleep, the company says. An up-and-coming ingredient is GABA, which is one of the most popular relaxation-inducing ingredients in Japan, the home of functional foods. This ingredient, which is becoming widely used in Japan, is claimed to improve mental focus, balance, and clarity, while reducing stress and increasing relaxation, and has started to feature in product sectors such as tea drinks, soft drinks, and dairy products, says Mia Naprta, market analyst with Leatherhead Food Research. Omega 3 Researchers hypothesized that omega-3 would help slow the bodys release of cytokines. They were right: Blood tests revealed omega-3 reduced the production of inflammation-causing cytokines by 14 percent. Studies have shown the super supplement may also reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and depression. It may even help you recover faster after a workout. If you dont eat salmon, olive oil, and other foods high in omega-3 every day, consider taking a supplement with at least 1,000 mg of omega-3, including the fatty acids EPA and DHA, Kiecolt-Glaser recommends. And understand that not all omega-3 fatty acids are created equal: Past studies have shown EPA is the most effective when it comes to reducing stress, Kiecolt-Glaser adds. (The med students were given a supplement with a 7-to-1 EPA-to-DHA ratio.) OmegaBrite makes a good, EPA-heavy option. For a delicious meal loaded with omega-3s, rub a 6-ounce salmon filet with garlic, tarragon, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Saut in olive oil.

Other supplement for stress in market