Las Vegas Weddings-Anatomy of Stress
A head-to-toe primer on how and where stress can strike.
Hypothalamus and Pituitary Glands : When confronted by a real or perceived threat, these glands set off a cascade of adrenaline, cortisol and other hormones and neurotransmitters. That induces stress's hallmark, the fight-or-flight response -- a physiological state marked by increased blood pressure, metabolism, heart and respiratory rates, and by muscular tension.
Head/Mind : Sleep deprivation is stress's most common side effect. Stress-induced muscle tension and blood-vessel constriction cause jaw pain and headaches. Stress impairs memory; one study showed that mental functioning was 20 to 50 percent lower in older people with high stress-hormone levels. Excess stress sparks irritability, depression, anxiety and nervous habits such as nail-biting.
Hair : Severe emotional stress can trigger hair loss.
Appetite : Stress-related eating can lead to weight gain and increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and breast cancer. Rapidly gulping down food creates gas, bringing on belching, bloating and abdominal discomfort.