What is chronic stress?  It is work, kids, spouse, the economy, the middle east? No, a stress response is a reaction by our subconscious mind of perceived threat.  Seeing a tiger, a burning building, hearing a rattlesnake, these are all a real threat to survival.  They are dealt with immediately or you perish.  Chronic stress happens when we resist learning the lesson of the moment (*there is no physical threat now!) and react as if their is a physical threat.

Hans Selye in his book “The Stress of Life” reported on the continued effects of over secretion of ACTH ( Adrenal Cortico Tropic Hormone) from the Pituitary Gland.  When we perceive threat, this triggers the Hypothalamus to tell the Pituitary to kick the adrenals into fight/flight/fright physiology. Adrenaline and Cortisol get released to fight or run from the tiger.  High levels of Cortisol are known to:

– have a tendency to gain abdominal fat

– high frequency of flu and respiratory disease

– symptoms lasting longer than “normal”

– lowered libido (decreased Testosterone)

– upon rising from horizontal position, lightheadedness (Raglands sign)

– low energy in the morning

– needing stimulants to get going in the morning or mid afternoon (coffee, sugar, soda, cigarettes)

– better immediately after a sugar/carb meal

– cyclic symptoms of PMS, heavy menstrual flow that start and stop

– significant decrease in symptoms on vacation

– loss of strength and lean muscle mass (decreased testosterone)

– osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome, II Diabetes

– decreased response to Thyroid Hormone, Insulin, Progesterone and Estrogen leading to: easy weight gain, slow metabolism, chronic fatigue, brain fog, brittle/dry skin/hair/nails

There are several adaptogenic herbs (used for centuries to bring harmony to body responses) that we use in our office, call us today (480) 899-3683 to get started on a more harmonious life!

In Health & Service,

Dr. Roland F. Phillips BA,BS,D.C.