Understanding and Managing Stress for Better Health
Dr. Lauren Hutson
Happy New Year, everyone!
This January, let’s talk about something we all deal with – stress. We know it’s a part of daily life that we can’t escape, but what happens when it starts keeping us in that constant “fight or flight” mode? Let’s dive into how stress affects our bodies, especially focusing on cortisol, the “stress hormone.”
Understanding Cortisol: Cortisol is like our body’s alarm system. Produced by the adrenal glands, it helps us handle stress by regulating various functions. Think of it as the body’s way of gearing up to face a challenge or dash away from it.
The Stress-Cortisol Connection: Here’s the catch – when stress doesn’t let up, our body keeps pumping out cortisol. This can throw a wrench in how our body functions, affecting everything from how we process food to how we fend off germs.
Metabolic Effects: Ever noticed stress snacking or that stubborn belly fat during stressful times? That’s cortisol at work. It can mess with insulin, too, raising the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Immune System Suppression: Constant high cortisol can weaken our immune defenses, making us more prone to getting sick.
Cardiovascular Impact: This hormone also plays a role in controlling blood pressure. Long-term stress can lead to high blood pressure and even heart issues.
Mental Health Consequences: Our mental health isn’t immune to stress either. Persistent stress and high cortisol can lead to anxiety, depression, and mess with our sleep and mood.
Sleep Disruption: Cortisol should be high in the morning and low at night. But when stress disrupts this rhythm, our sleep takes a hit, leaving us tossing and turning.
Managing Stress and Cortisol: As someone in the medical field, I always emphasize the importance of managing stress. Regular exercise, good sleep, and a balanced diet can keep cortisol in check. Mindfulness, meditation, and deep-breathing can also work wonders in calming the mind and body.
Conclusion: Stress is a part of life, but it’s crucial to understand its effects on our body and mind. By adopting healthy stress management techniques, we can help our bodies cope better, keeping cortisol levels balanced and protecting our overall health. Let’s make this year about understanding and managing stress better!
Meet the Author
Dr. Lauren Hutson is an experienced Primary Care Provider with degrees in Neuroscience and Biology from University of Texas at Austin. She completed her residency at Baylor Scott and White, Texas A&M, and has a strong focus on preventive care and chronic illness management. During the pandemic, she provided critical care as a Hospitalist in New Mexico, exemplifying her commitment to holistic, patient-centered care.