Stress & Fatigue

Question 1

General adaptation syndrome
1. Alarm phase

Answer 1

Fight or flight response (short term)

Stressor>
Hypothalamus >
sympathetic nervous system> adrenal medulla releases
adrenaline & noradrenaline>
Activates inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, increased bp, breath, strength, sugar from liver

Cortisol breaks down non carbohydrates for glucose.
- increases pain threshold
- immune response inhibition

Question 2

General adaptation syndrome
2. Resistance phase

Answer 2

Stressor gone

Body returns to equilibrium

Body can adapt to stress state and stay in that mode eg high bp, blood sugar

Question 3

General adaptation syndrome
3. Exhaustion phase

Answer 3

Prolonged stress that is not restored = exhaustion

Negative health effect

Glucocorticoid receptors (all over the body) = widespread effects

Cortisol resistance (not binding to receptors) = chronic inflammation

Question 4

Cortisol dysfunction causes

Answer 4

• glucocorticoid receptor = cortisol resistance
• CRH (
  Corticotropin releasing hormone) =pro inflammatory effects
• high surges of cortisol = pro inflammatory

INFLAMMATION IS A KEY DRIVER TO STRESS

Question 5

Cortisol pathologies

Answer 5

• insulin resistance (glucose in blood)
• weight gain (increased appetite)
• suppressed reproduction
• impaired immunity
• thyroid function (lowers thyroid stimulating hormone)
• suppresses digestion (motility, chemically, absorption, elimination)
• endoconnabinoid system (receptors cb1 & cb2)