Effects of Cortisol on Physical and Psychological Aspects of the Body and Effective Ways by Which One Can Reduce Stress

摘要: EFFECTS OF CORTISOL ON PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS THE BODY EFFECTIVE WAYS BY WHICH ONE CAN REDUCE STRESS Preethi Kandhalu B S J O ver the past years, reports of increased stress levels in millennials have been on rise; Stress America, a study, from American Psychological Association found “half all are so stressed out that they can’t sleep at night, and 39 percent year” (Yandoli, 2013) “On 10-point scale, Americans ages 18-33 reported an average level 5.4 compared to national 4.9” (Kingkade, 2013). Consequently, there plethora suggestions regarding ways reduce – common tips include keeping positive attitude, exercising eating healthy (WebMD). A popular website also indicates berries help combat since “Blueberries naturally rich vitamin C, which helps fight cortisol, hormone” 1 (Oz, 2010). Unfortunately, for most people, it is difficult evaluate whether such effective reducers. The aim this article explain why exists. cortisol hormone, i.e. “stress that’s secreted by Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) affects our body both physical mental can be detrimental overall health. Some effects due genes, while some external environmental factors. However, do exist one levels. I n order understand we feel stressed, important mechanism axis, axis (“Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis”). In first step process, hypothalamus contains neuroendocrine neurons synthesize proteins, act as hormones when released. While target distant tissues, including vasopressin corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) released blood circulation delivery pituitary gland. CRH received anterior gland, turn secretes Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) within axis. ACTH further Fig 1. HPA Mechanism acts two three zones adrenal gland zona fasciculate reticularis action leads secretion glucocorticoids (which mainly consists humans) among other (Mitrovic). Also, 90% eventually “S ome ailments caused suppressed immune system , insomnia severe mood swings depression hypotension ” along brain cortisol. produced results cascade events down ultimately bound whereas 10% free unbound, therefore biologically active creates negative feedback loop whereby binds inhibit Scientific experiments done determine correlation between Vitamin E C levels, actually suggest production did not change with different concentrations C. words, blueberries (Montalvo, Diaz, Galdames, Andres & Larrain, 2011) 14 • erkeley cientific ournal tress F 2013 V olume 18 ssue