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Body Response and Nutrition Changes in Stress, Page 5

The 3 Stages of Neuroendocrine Response to Stress

Alarm

Picture of a frightened person
When we are surprised or threatened, we have an immediate physical reaction, often called the “fight or flight” reaction. This prepares the body for life-threatening situations, channeling away resources from the digestive or immune system to meet more immediate muscular and emotional needs. This leads to the immune system being depressed, making us susceptible to disease

In this stage, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration rise in order to supply muscles and the brain with more oxygen. Therefore blood flow is increased to the muscles and brain and less to other vital organs. Sexual and immune functions are suppressed. Hormones are released to relieve potentially existing pain. Body fats and sugars are released to provide with extra energy. Senses become sharper. The body prepares for emergency.

In the brain, the hypothalamus secretes two neuro-hormones: corticotropin and thyrotropin. These two hormones stimulate the pituitary gland. In the case of stress, the pituitary gland influences the work of all glands in the body to produce more or less hormones. For example, the adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys, are stimulated to produce more adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline speeds up the heart rate and cortisol suppresses the immune system.

If an individual is subjected to frequent and strong stressors, it can cause severe endocrine disorders. Over-secretion of hormones may adversely affect brain tissue. This could lead to severe mental disorders.