Have you ever felt your heart race after a near miss on the road, or found yourself sweating before a big presentation? These reactions are part of your body’s natural response to stress. While a little stress can be useful, helping us respond to life’s challenges, too much can be detrimental to our health.

The Basics of Stress Response

When faced with a stressful situation, our body kicks into 'fight or flight' mode. This reaction starts in the brain and spreads through the body, preparing us to either face the danger or escape from it. This process involves:

• Rapid heartbeat and breathing: To increase blood flow and oxygen to key areas.
• Heightened alertness: Keeps you ready to respond to the threat.
• Energy boost: By releasing sugars into your bloodstream.

Key Hormones Involved in Stress

During stress, your adrenal glands release cortisol, a hormone that helps your brain use glucose and reduces inflammation temporarily. Another hormone, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), works alongside cortisol to help moderate your body’s stress response.

Chronic Stress and Its Pitfalls

While occasional stress can enhance your ability to respond to immediate threats, chronic stress can wear you down and lead to health problems, including:

• Cardiovascular issues: Increased risk of heart disease due to prolonged high blood pressure and heart rate.
• Weakened immune system: Makes you more susceptible to illnesses.
• Digestive problems: Ongoing stress can disrupt your digestive system, leading to discomfort and other issues.

Effective Ways to Manage Stress

Managing stress is vital for maintaining good health. Here are some practical ways to keep stress at manageable levels:

• Stay active: Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce stress.
• Eat well and stay hydrated: A balanced diet and proper hydration support overall health and resilience against stress.
• Get enough sleep: Quality sleep is crucial for recovery and stress management.
• Practice relaxation techniques: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or even deep-breathing exercises can help calm your mind.

Monitoring Your Stress Levels

Knowing how well you're managing stress can be a challenge. Tools like Thorne's at-home cortisol test can help by measuring your levels of cortisol and DHEA, providing insights into how your body is coping with stress.

Stress is a natural part of life, but it doesn’t have to overwhelm you. By understanding how stress affects your body and implementing effective management strategies, you can maintain a healthier, more balanced life.

References

• Lennartsson A, Kushnir M, Bergquist J, Jonsdottir I. "DHEA and DHEA-S response to acute psychosocial stress in healthy men and women." Biol Psychol 2012;90(2):143-149.
• Morgan C III, Southwick S, Hazlett G, et al. "Relationships among plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and cortisol levels, symptoms of dissociation, and objective performance in humans exposed to acute stress." Arch Gen Psychiatry 2004;61(8):819-825.