How Does Stress Relate to Our Health?
What better time of year, than around the holidays to address this subject. As we partake in all the upcoming holiday revelry, we tend to overeat, overspend, become sedentary and get involved in all the planning that goes along with the holidays. This may send noxious or nociceptive input into our bodies which triggers the nerve system to release the chemical stress hormone, cortisol. There is a cascade response traveling from our Hypothalamus to our pituitary gland and then the adrenal gland (HPA Axis), which results in a release of adrenaline. Cholesterol, blood pressure, clotting factors and sugars then increase causing ill health overall. If these habits are continued they may lead to increased incidence of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, strokes or even diabetes. Make sure to watch your intake of foods this year, stay active, spend wisely and do not overextend yourself. Most importantly, get checked by your local chiropractor and learn how to keep your nerve system free of interference and begin your first step towards better health.