2012 February Archive | The Cortisol-Stress Connection

Symptoms of Chronic Stress

Chronic stress can be caused by illness, anxiety over financial matters, social crises, or emotional instability. Almost anything that causes physical or emotional pain can produce a stress response. If the source of stress is not resolved, chronic stress can result. Chronic stress can cause weight gain, fatigue, muscle weakness...

Cortisol, Stress & Your Weight

The cortisol hormone serves many important functions in the body such as regulating blood sugar and blood pressure and providing energy for exercise and activity. Cortisol also plays a key role in the immunity and healing processes. [Greenspan F.S., Stewler G.J. (eds): Basic and Clinical Endocrinology. Appelton & Lange, Stamford,...

Cortisol, Stress & Abdominal Fat

Cortisol causes bone cells to stop growing or to release calcium into the bloodstream. Excessive cortisol levels can lead to osteoporosis. Cortisol causes some fat cells to release their fats known as triglycerides, and causes other fat cells to absorb excess triglycerides. Fat Mobilization One effect of the stress response...

The Connection Between Cortisol, Stress & Insulin

Overview Insulin acts on individual cells to allow cells to absorb glucose. Insulin resistance occurs when insulin is present at normal or high levels in the bloodstream, but does not allow cells to accept glucose. The result is high glucose as well as high insulin levels in the bloodstream. Obesity...

Cortisol, Insulin & Obesity

Overview Excess glucose that is not used for physical activity circulates in the bloodstream. Muscle and other cells that do not need the glucose reject it, causing an increase in insulin production. This further de-sensitizes cells to insulin, causing insulin resistance. Excess glucose is excreted through the kidneys and can...

Managing Stress: A Balancing Act

Overview We all have stress sometimes. For some people, it happens before having to speak in public. For other people, it might be before a first date. What causes stress for you may not be stressful for someone else. Sometimes stress is helpful – it can encourage you to meet...

Activities to Help You Manage and Cope with Stress

“Persistent, unremitting stress leads to a variety of serious health problems. Anyone who suffers from chronic stress needs to take steps to alleviate it, either by learning simple techniques to relax and calm down, or with the help of qualified therapists.” ~ George Chrousos, M.D., and Philip Gold, MD, National...

Monthly Archives: February 2012