What hormones are linked to stress?

Stress is a chemical reaction that helps one survive or warn of danger during a destabilizing situation. It is very useful for reacting more quickly and more effectively. However, stress has a negative connotation for many individuals.

Stress affects a very wide audience over a short period of time, regardless of age and social level. However, the intensity of stress depends from one individual to another depending on their personality and their ability to manage the situation. For example, a depressed and anxious individual is more at risk of being impacted by the stress of daily life.

A situation of chronic stress is considered pathological.

Stress acts as much on the mind as on the body. If the brain receives the instruction to manifest stress, it is first of all a physical reaction that is triggered. Indeed, the body will begin to produce certain hormones.

It is essential to know this physical reaction to identify stress more quickly.

The five stress hormones

The organs that are stimulated during a manifestation of stress are the brain (in particular the hypothalamus), the hormonal glands (the pituitary gland and the adrenal glands), as well as the nervous and hormonal circuits which link the brain and the endocrine glands.

Here are the main stress hormones:

• The first is called ACTH (pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone or adrenocorticotropin). It is produced by the pituitary gland, a gland located at the base of the brain. It helps stimulate the adrenal glands which have the role of releasing cortisol.
• Cortisol helps provide the brain with enough energy to cope with stress. It plays a role in the regulation of blood pressure, as well as cardiovascular and immune functions.
• To prepare the body to respond to stress, adrenaline comes into play. The heart rate accelerates, breathing is faster and blood pressure increases.
• Oxytocin, called a neuropeptide, helps reduce stress and reinforce positive behavior in society.
• Finally, vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) intervenes to regulate the concentration of water in the body and blood pressure. It helps to manage anxiety well.

Acute or chronic stress

The secretion of stress hormones is not a problem in itself if, once the situation has passed, the body manages to regain its calm and the hormones return to a basal level.

Acute stress

Acute stress is part of everyday life and has no serious health consequences. It helps you deal with different situations such as a presentation in front of an audience or an approaching work deadline.

 

Chronic stress

If stress persists or returns repeatedly, it is called chronic stress. Because cortisol levels are too high in the blood, it can cause many negative health effects such as a weakened immune system, high blood pressure, digestive disorders, insomnia or heart disease.

In order to better manage or limit stress, it is important to identify its cause.

The main causes of stress

Stress is triggered by a situation that represents “danger” for the individual. This stressful situation can appear in various contexts.

In general, a state of stress is associated with routine pressure at work, school or within the family. It can also be caused by an unexpected and sudden change such as a divorce, a change of profession or the discovery of an illness. Finally, stress can be the cause of a traumatic episode such as a natural disaster or an attack.

Smoking, alcohol, taking illicit substances, sleep disorders or even a poor diet can also be linked to a stressful situation.

Techniques allow you to better resist stress, especially when it is chronic. The most effective are relaxation or breathing exercises. If we breathe gently, the neurons remain inactive and keep the body in a calm state. On the contrary, if we breathe faster, they send a signal that increases anxiety .

Take food supplements to better manage stress

Taking a course of targeted food supplements to combat anxiety is an effective solution. Considered allies of health, they promote relaxation and help the body respond better to stress.

Délicure offers a Stress cure in the form of vegan gummies, natural and made in France. They are composed of anti-stress plants (rhodiola, saffron, holy basil) and vitamin B6 which help to relax and soothe the nervous system. We also find the amino acid GABA, the body's main inhibitory neurotransmitter which optimizes the body's resistance to stress disorders.

Another molecule turns out to be very relevant in terms of its valuable aid in stress management: CBD , in fact this cannabinoid would have a significant effect on our body and allow the consumer to relax quickly and effectively. Our CBD oils , our gummies or our natural, vegan and made in France CBD candies are products that can provide real help in stress management.