Effects Of Stress On Body & Metabolism (cont.)
Some researchers have concluded that a “rich diet” can make the effect of stress even worse. Excess amounts of sugars and refined foods, for example, can diminish thiamine, niacin, B12, magnesium, and calcium. Low levels of these nutrients increase adverse reactions from the nervous system, causing irritability, and a person to be more nervous in general. Low concentrations of nutrients in the blood can impair brain function. Many depressed people crave sugary and fatty foods during stress. Yet increased sugar and fat consumption may be associated with the development or maintenance of depression.
Stress can place an increased metabolic demand on the individual and initiates the release of hormones (cortisol and catecholamine) that breakdown body tissues. At the same time, stress reduces hormones that help to body tissues, such as testosterone and growth hormone. The stress response can result in the breakdown of fat and protein. This happens to produce glucose to meet the increase energy needs.
Stress can also have an effect on the body’s fluid balance. The amount of water in the body is essential for a myriad of functions, including digestion, absorption, circulatory, and excretory functions, as well as the utilization of the water-soluble vitamins. It is required for the transportation of nutrients and waste products in and out of cells, and to make saliva, which helps protect against tooth decay. Water helps cushion joints and plays a major role in maintaining body temperature – among other things. A loss of only one percent of body weight of water due to physical stress causes an increase in core temperature. Failure to properly replace fluids can lead to hypohydration. If continued, hypohydration can lead to changes in body temperature, osmolality (thickness) of the blood and changes in heart rate. The combination of the two, and possibly an increased sweat rate if the body is trying to cool itself, can accelerate exhaustion from stress.
Stimulants are of particular concern as a frequent cause of stress on the body. Use of caffeine, amphetamines, diet pills, ma huang, sugar, and tobacco, to name a few, can suppress appetite and delay the normal cues to eat. Stimulants cause insulin resistance, lead to abnormal cholesterol production, and increase heart rate and blood pressure. The effect of stimulants raising stress hormones can cause increased inflammatory responses, cellular growth, and blood clotting. These are the primary factors in plaque formation in the arteries.