While it’s true that stress is part of our daily life. We all know that feeling. That tightness in your chest, the racing heart, the sense that you’re about to lose control. It’s stress and can be debilitating, although you’ve taken some top metabolism supplements daily. Not only does stress make us feel awful physically, but it can also wreak havoc on our mental state. All of these are because there are many types of hormones triggered and released when we’re stressed. Each affects different body functions. Today, we’ll explore the different types of hormones that are released when our bodies are stressed.
Cortisol
We can’t start the list without mentioning this hormone. Often referred to as the “stress hormone,” cortisol is the primary hormone that is released as being triggered by stress. It’s a steroid hormone that the adrenal gland regularly produces. This hormone is generated in response to stress and low blood sugar. It helps to regulate blood pressure and metabolism. Cortisol also has anti-inflammatory properties. On top of that, it plays a role in our immune response. While cortisol is important, too much of it can be a bad thing. When we’re constantly under stress, our bodies pump out more and more cortisol. This can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even heart disease.
Adrenaline
I believe you may have already been familiar with this hormone. Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is another hormone that’s released when we’re stressed. It’s produced by the adrenal gland and works hand-in-hand with cortisol. While cortisol is more of a long-term stress response, adrenaline is our immediate stress reaction. It’s what gives us that “fight or flight” feeling. Adrenaline increases our heart rate and blood pressure. It also gives us a boost of energy so we can either face the stress or or get away from it.
Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine is very similar to adrenaline. In fact, it’s sometimes referred to as “noradrenaline.” It’s produced in the adrenal gland and released in response to stress. Norepinephrine is responsible for our “fight or flight” reaction. It increases heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. Norepinephrine also diverts blood flow to our muscles, so we’re ready to take action. Insulin
Did you know that because of insulin, stress can actually lead to weight gain? When we’re stressed, our bodies release the hormone insulin. Insulin’s main job is to regulate blood sugar levels. When we’re stressed, our blood sugar levels tend to go up. In response, insulin is released to bring those levels back down. The problem is that when insulin isn’t needed, it can cause our blood sugar levels to drop too low. This can lead to cravings for sugary and high-carb foods. And we all know how that can affect our waistline.
There are still other hormones that are also released as being triggered by stress. Those include GHREA, prolactin, and sex hormones. But the ones we’ve listed are the main stress hormones that affect our bodies. Now that you know what they are, you can be more mindful of stress’s effects on your body. And hopefully, you can find ways to better manage your stress. Meditation and putting smiles on others’ faces are two stress relievers that don’t require any supplements. Give them a try.