What is adrenaline and what is it for? Why is it known as the fear hormone? Discover the adverse effects of experiencing an adrenaline rush frequently.
The adrenalin, also known as epinephrine, is a type of catecholamine (stress hormone) that is secreted when an individual experiences a situation of fear, anxiety or stress. The effects of adrenaline are equivalent to a fight or flight response to the danger that has caused its deployment.
Through the adrenaline molecule, the body prepares itself in an effective way to react or withdraw from a threat. It is for this reason that when adrenaline rises, our blood pressure, breathing and metabolism increase. Although effects of adrenaline They are crucial for our survival, constant exposure to this substance can be harmful to our health. How can we know if we are suffering from the effects of adrenaline?
When faced with a stressful situation, our heart begins to pump faster, which translates into a series of effects for our entire body. This in psychology is known as a fight or flight response and one of its main precursors is the adrenaline, also known as epinephrine. Although the function of adrenaline is vital for our survival, the reality is that its overexposure can be harmful to our health.
Mainly, the adrenaline or epinephrine It is a hormone and a neurotransmitter that is produced both in the medulla of the adrenal glands and in some neurons of the central nervous system. When we are in a situation that generates stress, adrenaline is quickly released into our blood, allowing our body to prepare for imminent danger. For this reason, adrenaline is also known as the ‘fear hormone’.
Faced with a situation that is interpreted as a danger, the adrenaline function is to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. The hormone adrenaline is released in the adrenal glands (located on top of our kidneys) when we need a response to a physical or emotional threat.
Thanks to effects of adrenaline Our body obtains greater energy to be able to fight or flee, that is, either withstand greater physical tension or exert excess resistance in the face of danger. In this way, when we are faced with the effects of adrenaline, our body begins to experience the following.
Higher heart rate
Increases the force of heart contractions.
Improves blood flow to major muscle groups such as the heart, lungs and brain.
Airways open
Increases glucose (sugar) metabolism
Controls compression of blood vessels (vasoconstriction)
Increases blood pressure during stress.
A Adrenaline Rush It usually has a sudden onset and lasts a short period of time (the effects of adrenaline usually wear off within an hour of experiencing the danger or threat). But, in some cases, adrenaline or epinephrine and its effects can be persistent over time, a clear sign that there is a problem with your health.
Excess adrenaline: Symptoms
When a person suffers effects of an adrenaline rush On a consistent basis, people often experience the following symptoms.
Digestive problems: One of the effects of adrenaline In our body it translates into overstimulation of our digestive system. In these cases, when a person is constantly exposed to adrenaline or epinephrine, they usually experience digestive problems.
Cardiovascular disease: As we have pointed out, when adrenaline rises They increase the force and frequency at which the heart contracts. Therefore, experiencing the effects of adrenaline frequently can induce cardiovascular disease.
Weight gain and metabolic problems: When adrenaline rises, our body turns to glucose (sugar) to obtain the energy necessary to flee or fight in the face of danger. If this happens recurrently, our body will require a higher dose of glucose, which translates into more sugars being stored to be able to deal with these situations.
Headaches: Having the body in constant tension due to exposure to adrenaline hormone It can lead to headaches.
Sleep disorders: The tension and nervousness produced by adrenaline or epinephrine It can end up harming our rest.
Impaired memory and concentration: Being constantly exposed to a excess adrenaline It ends up being harmful to our memory and concentration. The reason for this is that being in a situation of constant tension means that our brain, which is focused on the pre-alert situation, does not have energy for daily activities.
Anxiety and depression: Being exposed to the constant effects of an excess of adrenaline It can end up leading to episodes of anxiety and depression. In these cases, it is important to try to go to a professional psychologist to reduce the effects of adrenaline on a psychological level.
Currently, the overexposure to adrenaline It is mainly caused by chronic stress. For this reason, if you think you may be constantly experiencing adrenaline or epinephrine and its effects, you should put a stop to your exposure to stress.
Difference between adrenaline and norepinephrine
Sometimes these two substances in our body are confused. Even though the norepinephrine It is a hormone and neurotransmitter that is synthesized in the adrenal glands (like adrenaline) and whose functions are very similar, this substance acts more predominantly within the nervous system. On the other hand, epinephrine or adrenaline tends to be more predominant outside the nervous system.
How to adjust adrenaline levels?
In order to reduce the adrenaline hormone When overexposure is caused by stress, experts recommend the following.
Daily exercise: Exercise is the healthiest way to release adrenaline and balance its levels in the body. For this reason, if you want to reduce its effects, doing physical exercise daily can be a good option.
Meditation: Through meditation exercises we can get our body to relax, making the levels and effects of adrenaline are reduced.
Deep breathing: Shallow breathing is usually one of the indications that there is a excess adrenaline to. For this reason, if you want to counteract the effects of the well-known ‘fear hormone’, taking deep, relaxed breaths can help reduce its levels in our body.
Healthy nutrition: A balanced diet also helps balance adrenaline levels in our body.
Limit caffeine or alcohol intake: Caffeine and alcohol help stimulate our nervous system, generating more tension in our body. In this way, in order to counteract the adrenaline and its effects its consumption should be moderated.
Prolonged exposure to the adrenaline It can be detrimental to your health and well-being. On many occasions, especially with the pace of life to which we are accustomed today, people can experience excess adrenaline due to suffering from chronic stress. When this happens, it is important to consult with a mental health professional. Don’t let yourself be overcome by the ‘fear hormone’.
