Stress and histamine: Cortisol, adrenaline & noradrenaline in focus
Stress is a physiological reaction of our body to cope with stressful situations . Certain hormones in our body play a crucial role and communicate with the brain via the so-called stress axis .
The most important stress hormones include adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol. These are released during acute stress. and chronic stress release, ensuring peak performance of our body with all its functions.
Hormones influence your body , your mood , and your emotions . Hormonal imbalances can also lead to increased levels of stress hormones in your body. Would you like to learn more about the different stress hormones and their effects on the body? You'll find all the important information in the following blog article.
The 3 most important stress hormones
Adrenaline as a kickstart hormone and noradrenaline as a focus hormone: General information
Adrenaline and noradrenaline are both released in the adrenal medulla and take effect immediately after a stressful situation . These two hormones ensure a rapid reaction within a very short time and produce physical effects such as faster breathing and a faster heartbeat. They put the body into the classic "fight or flight" mode.
You can find more information in our related HistaFit blog article : Stress, anxiety and histamine intolerance: Interactions and coping strategies.
Cortisol: General information about the energy hormone
This hormone is produced in the adrenal cortex and reacts somewhat more slowly than adrenaline and noradrenaline. It is released when the initially stressful situation has subsided, but the stress continues. Cortisol levels in the blood are typically highest in the morning and lowest at night.
Among the positive effects of cortisol are its ability to inhibit inflammation , sharpen attention , improve memory , and dissolve fat stores .
Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels: Health consequences
In the long term, elevated cortisol levels can also lead to consequences such as hormonal disorders, diabetes , bone loss , anxiety , or depression .
Causes can include chronic stress , insufficient breaks, life crises , or problems in relationships or families .
Lowering cortisol levels naturally: Here's how
With a few simple tips and tricks in your daily life, you can positively influence your cortisol levels and thus lower them naturally. For example, by not drinking alcohol , drinking enough water , avoiding blue light in the evening , and ensuring you get enough sleep .
Generally speaking, you can naturally lower your cortisol levels by improving your well-being . This can be tailored to your individual needs. Breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, or walks can all have a positive effect on your body in this regard.
This connection exists between emotions and hormones.
Our brain controls a wide variety of bodily functions and processes stimuli.
A brief example: If you receive an unexpected, worrying message that triggers a feeling of stress in you, this reaction is converted into biochemical signals and thus hormones are released .
When the stress is over, hormone production also decreases again and your nervous system ensures that your body relaxes and regenerates.
Problems arise when your hormonal system becomes unbalanced in the long term, resulting in a persistent hormonal imbalance . This can be caused by a variety of factors such as medications , illnesses , pollutants , or even a nutrient deficiency .
Stress and digestion: How hormones affect your stomach
Adrenaline and cortisol can strongly influence the digestive system , for example, and have effects on the intestinal lining . This, in turn, then affects the stomach .
Nutrition and nutrients: How you can support your body in stressful situations
Here's how you can support your body in stressful situations:
- Water: It is important to drink enough water to flush out substances produced in the body during stressful situations. This is also beneficial for those with histamine intolerance, as histamine is water-soluble and can therefore be eliminated.
- Vitamin D: A deficiency in vitamin D can affect your sense of stress, as it is involved in many processes in the body, such as cell growth or the maintenance of normal bones.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: An adequate intake of this fatty acid is essential, as it contributes to normal brain function. Excellent sources include flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, and chia seeds.
- Proteins: These can support your muscles during and after stressful situations. Since it can be difficult to meet protein requirements on a low-histamine or vegan diet, we recommend HistaFood Organic Protein Spread Pumpkin Seed & Pistachio . It's a natural protein source. Furthermore, it's suitable for low-histamine and low-fructose diets, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, and made from 100% natural organic ingredients.
- Magnesium: In stressful situations, the body releases more magnesium, thus increasing the need for it. Therefore, mineral-rich foods such as green vegetables or nuts can be very helpful.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is essential for the normal function of the immune system. A weakened immune system increases the risk of infection. Infection can lead to increased stress. Excellent sources of vitamin C include rose hips (1), sea buckthorn, and red bell peppers.
- B vitamins: These contribute, among other things, to the maintenance of a normal nervous system. You can find them, for example, in egg yolks, oatmeal, and yogurt.
Conclusion
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