When you experience stress, it is not only your mind that feels the effects but the whole body. 

Stress perceived by the brain starts a cascade of responses.  

There are 3 types of stress:

1. Chemical

2. Emotional

3. Physical

When you are stressed, it can lead to acute or chronic illnesses.  This happens when stress is not dealt with or released from the body.  

Stress causes a "fight, flight, freeze" reaction.  

This is our primitive response that we have had for centuries.  It came in handy when a lion, tiger or aggressor approached us and we needed to quickly react.  

Long term stress and staying in this "fight, flight or freeze" status can lead to a plethora of health problems:

• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Weakened Immune System
• Heart burn and digestive issues
• Heart problems
• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar
• Fertility issues
• Lowered sex drive
• Stomach aches
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Tense muscles
• Missed periods
• Increased irritability
• Anxiety

When stressed, your brain sends signal to release hormones.  

Here is what happens:

Corticotropin releasing hormone from the hypothalamus of the brain sends signals to the pituitary gland releasing Adrenocorticotropic Hormone.  Then, this hormone travels to the adrenal glands that are located on top of the kidneys.  After it arrives at the adrenal glands, Cortisol is then released.  This hormone creates inflammation and also increases appetite leading to weight gain and inflammatory responses by the body.  

If your body is stressed, it does not heal quickly.  It also does not allow you to lose weight if you are looking to do so.  

Eating properly, getting enough sleep, keeping emotional stress low and keeping your body mobile and flexible leads to better health.  That is where our San Francisco Holistic Practitioner - Chiropractor comes in. Dr. Amie Gregory, DC, CCEP can help with lifestyle advice and her techniques and services help relieve stress leading to better health.  Schedule an appointment today!