Download RESPONSE TO THREAT SURVIVAL MECHANISM The challenges

STRESS
Human physiology responds to a perceived threat
with extraordinary biochemical changes.
The body is “super charged” to meet dire but brief
emergencies, to engage in combat or flee to safety.
(The fight or flight response.)
The challenges of modern life
repeatedly activate our stress response
without respite; what defends the body
against imminent danger destroys our
health in the long term.
RESPONSE TO SURVIVAL MECHANISM
THREAT
All senses 1. Sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell are
become acute enhanced, concentration is focused.
MODERN CONSEQUENCES
Hypothaiamus 2. Endorphins block pain similar
release endor- to morphine, in injuries give
phins “second wind” during run.
Chronic stress reduces levels of endorphins.
Aggravates migraines, backaches and the
pain of arthritis.
High error rate, less efficient sense after
unrelenting stress.
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Thyroid releas- 3. Thyroid hormones speed up
es hormones metabolism burning fuel faster.
into the blood.
Heart Races 4. Pumps more blood to the muscles and
lungs, fuel and oxygen for action.
Lungs Expand 5. Air passages in the lungs dilate, breathing
becomes rapid and deeper, providing extra
supplies of oxygen to bloodstream.
Adrenal glands 6. Counters allergic reaction from the flying
release corti- dust during a struggle, preventing asthma or
sone closing of the eyes.
Digestive tract 7. Blood is diverted to the muscles, heart and
shuts down lungs. Stomach stops secretions, digestion.
8. Mouth goes dry, to divert
fluids away from stomach.
9. Rectum and bladder unload excess weight
prior to battle.
Production of 12. Men’s testicles also retract for protection,
sex hormones allows concentration on tasks at hand without
decrease distraction from libido.
Blood Thickens 13. Increase of red and white blood cells from
bone marrow, stored cells and clotting factors
from spleen: more capacity to carry oxygen,
fight infection, clot blood.
Skin “crawls” Hair bristles, enhancing sense of touch.
pales, sweats Sweat glands cool overheated muscles
underneath. Skin whitens as blood is diverted
to muscles reducing bleeding from surface
lacerations.
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Pancreas 10. Immediate energy supply (short-distance
releases sugar fuel), for a quick fight or sprint.
and insulin
into the blood
Liver increase 11. Helps carry long-distance fuel, takes over
cholesterol when blood sugar energy is exhausted.
Intolerance to heat. Shaky nerves Weight
loss, Insomnia, Exhaustion/burnout.
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High blood pressure leading to strokes, bursting of
an aneurysm or fatal heart attack.
Increases the penetration and damage to the lungs
from smoking; situation is made worse by increasing
the number of cigarettes per day as a reaction to stress.
Impaired immune system, lymph glands shrink.
Lower resistance to cancer, infection and illness.
Brittle bones and ulcers.
A stressed lifestyle of eating on the run forces
foods quickly into inactive stomachs, resulting in
bloating, nausea, discomfort or diarrhea. Public
speaker’s dry mouth. Soiled underwear.
Aggravates or initiates diabetes; eating too many
sugary foods can cause hypoglycemia.
Leaves fatty deposits in the blood vessels, contributing to hardening of the arteries and heart attacks.
Decreased sexual drive contributes to problems
in intercourse, (premature ejaculation, lack of
orgasm), may damage relationship
Strokes, heart attacks or embolus can occur.
Clammy hands, pasty skin, stained armpits.