Signs and symptoms of stress and adrenal insufficiency
Symptoms
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Exhaustion
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Weight Gain/Loss
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Food Intolerances
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Alcohol Intolerance
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Allergies
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Sinus Problems
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Anxiety
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Blood Sugar Imbalances
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Depression
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Digestive Disorders
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Diminished Sex Drive
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Dizziness upon Standing
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Dry and Thin Skin
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Excessive Hunger
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Craving for Sweets
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Hair Loss
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Headaches
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Immune Deficiency
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Inability to Concentrate
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Parasite Infections
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Bacterial Infections
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Fungal Infections
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General Pain
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Inflammation
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Chronic illness
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Irritability
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Liver Disorders
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Thyroid Disorders
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Pancreatic Disorders
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Low blood pressure
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Low Body Temperature
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Mood Swings
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Pain in the Neck
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Pain in the Shoulders
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Low Back Pain
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Heart Palpitations
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Poor memory
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PMS
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Sleep Disorders
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Weakness
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Difficulty Building Muscle

Over the past 30 years there has been over 300 studies have been done on stress and immunity in humans. They have showed that psychological challenges are capable of modifying various aspects of the immune systems. Most studies on stress have defined it as " circumstances that most people would find stressful". These are defined as stressors. But the big question that must be answered is, How does stress get into the body to impact the immune system?
This requires a lengthy discussion explaining how the immune system, endocrine system and hormonal system function both independently of one another and dependent upon one another in order to maintain internal "homeostasis". Simply put, there are fibers that connect the brain, the nervous system and the endocrine system, referred to as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis all secrete hromones that control many bodily functions. This is a relationship that needs when functioning normally leads to normal physiological and psychological function. Stress, whether acute or chronic leads to adaptations that over days, months and even years may lead to altered metabolic functioned.
Next: Who is vulnerable to stress-induced immune changes.

Biology of Stress

Under normal circumstances, we can react to and adapt to stress, with our bodies returning to a normal state of function, referred to as homeostasis. When stressful situations persist or last longer than usual, this accumulated stress or allostatic load can become too much for us. This accumulated load can have an effect on how our bodies function from a musculuar, organic, hormonal and even nurological perspective.
How we respond or react to stressful situations, thoughts or beliefs is dependant upon many factors. Genetics, diet and even past history can determine how we respond to the load. Also, whether or not we smoke, drink, exercise can all factor in to our response. Over repsonses to stress leads to an increase production of the adrenal hormone cortisol. High cortisol can and does lead to a host of chronic degenerative conditions, including anxiety, sleep disturbances, diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.
Next, we will look at stress and our immune system.

Stress

For my first topic of discussion, I have picked stress. It is something that I have become very interested in over the last several years. For many who think they know what stress is, they maybe suprised to learn that what they think is true is not. For others, I hope that this will be an educational opportunity to not only understand what stress is, but how it can affect your health and well-being. Lastly, we will talk about creating strategies that can help you not only deal with stress, but also help you prevent the many chronic symptoms that can result from a maladaptive response to stress.

Welcome to my new blog. I'm new at this, but hope this will serve as an arena to not only share with you some of the latest news in health, diet and nutrition, but also serve as an open forum where questions can be asked and new ideas can be exchanged.
I will keep it fresh and new and hope to give you information that makes a difference in your health and well being.