HOW TO LOWER STRESS HORMONES
The body releases stress hormones – adrenaline, norepinephrine and cortisol. Each of the three hormones has its own effect. For example, cortisol is produced in extreme situations and activates the brain, so that a person can find a way out of a critical situation.
Long-term elevated levels of cortisol are harmful to the body:
- depresses the immune system
- causes an increase in blood sugar,
- disruption of the thyroid gland,
- causes skin problems
- slows down growth
- reduces sexual desire and impairs sexual function,
- makes bones brittle
- sleep is getting worse
- the digestive system is disturbed,
- frequent headaches appear
- depression and apathy develop
- becomes a constant feeling of hunger and craving for sweets,
- fatty, junk food, which means gaining excess weight and
- the appearance of body fat
- in men, fat is deposited in the abdomen and lower back, in women – on the hips,
- muscles also suffer from high levels of the stress hormone because it uses them as a source of nutrition, breaking down fibers and breaking them down to amino acids and glucose.
Adrenaline is one of the main stress hormones and has a complex effect on the body. Its level rises in situations when a person experiences fear, pain, rage, anger. The hormone mobilizes memory and attention, speeds up the heartbeat.
Norepinephrine is released during stress and increases motor activity, affects brain activity and sensory perception. An important function of norepinephrine is the ability to dull pain.
How to lower stress hormones?
Full sleep
The human body, which does not chronically sleep, is in a state of stress. For a long time, he will not work in this mode, and sooner or later health problems will begin. Get yourself a good night’s sleep. Sleep at least 8 hours a day. If you do not have enough night rest, take about 20 minutes during the day to take a nap.
Proper nutrition
A balanced diet enhances the body’s defenses and helps fight stress. To provide yourself with everything you need, eat more plant foods: for example, strawberries, apples, bananas, prunes, watermelons.
Eliminate or reduce the amount of coffee consumed, as excess caffeine negatively affects the body, increasing the level of stress hormones. But freshly brewed black leaf tea, on the contrary, will help relieve stress quickly.
Physical exercise
Exercising is one of the most effective ways to deal with stress. During training, hormones of happiness – endorphins – are released into the bloodstream. It is not necessary to play sports professionally, it is enough to choose a set of exercises that you will like.
Before correcting nutrition or physical activity, consult a doctor or personal trainer.