Stress and the Nervous System This presentation was developed by and - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Stress and the Nervous System

This presentation was developed by and is the property of NeuroScience, Inc. Osceola, WI. 888-342-7272

• Establish the role of hormones and

neurotransmitters in stress

• Discuss how the effects of stress can be

measured

• Provide options for helping individuals

cope with the effects of stress

Presentation Objectives

• The body’s response to challenging

physical and mental events

• Feeling stressed is a sequence of

biochemical reactions inside the body

• Controlled by the Nervous System

What is Stress?

• The body uses chemical messengers to

manage stress

– Hormones

• Cortisol
• DHEA

– Neurotransmitters

• Epinephrine
• Norepinephrine
• Serotonin
• Dopamine

Hormones & Neurotransmitters (NT’s)

• When the body encounters a stressor,

it releases hormones and neurotransmitters to help you handle the situation

• Fight or flight response

The body’s Response to Stress

The Stress Response System

Hypothalamus

Stress

Pituitary Adrenal Cortex

Adrenal Medulla

Cortisol DHEA Epinephrine Norepinephrine

Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF) Adrenal- Corticotrophic Hormone (ACTH)

Cortisol also shuts off the stress response

Stress “off” Switch

• Stress hormones and neurotransmitters

– Provide a quick burst of energy – Speed up the necessary systems

• Heart rate
• Breathing

– Shut down the unnecessary systems

• Reproductive system
• Immune system

The Role of Hormones & NT’s

• Acute stress causes a rise, then fall, in the

stress hormones and neurotransmitters

• Chronic, day-to-day stress results in a

system that is always in “overdrive”

Acute vs. Chronic Stress

Acute Stress (fight or flight) Chronic Stress

Time Time Hormone & NT levels Hormone & NT levels

Overdrive!

• Too much time spent in “overdrive” can

eventually lead to “burnout”

Effects of Chronic Stress

Chronic Stress

Time Hormone & NT levels

Overdrive! Burnout!

Effects of Chronic Stress

• Chronic stress (overdrive & burnout) may

lead to significant imbalances in any one or more of your stress hormones and neurotransmitters

• Imbalances in your stress

chemicals may lead to other problems…

Overdrive & Burnout

• Overdrive & Burnout:

– Feelings of anxiousness – “Wired but tired” – Sleep disruptions – Low mood – Headaches – Ready to snap – Fatigue – Loss of control – Inability to lose weight – Little motivation – Poor libido

Ask Your Doctor!

• If you are feeling over-

stressed and burned out, ask your doctor to measure your levels of stress hormones & neurotransmitters.

What Next?

• A simple urine/saliva test can determine

your stress hormone and neurotransmitter balance.

Hormone & NT Testing

• NeuroScience’s tests are covered by

several major insurance companies:

– Medicare – BlueCross/BlueShield – United Health Care – Aetna – Medica – Mutual Of Omaha

Test-Address

• The information obtained from your

laboratory test will be useful in determining methods to help you maintain balance.

The Biochemical Effects of Stress

<1.5 Elevated 2.0 (10 PM) 2.0-4.0 Normal 2.1 (5 PM) 3.0-6.0 Normal 3.2 (12 PM) 7.0-10.0 Very low 3.7 Cortisol (7 AM) 150-200 Very low 39.5 Serotonin 110-175 Very low 72.9 Dopamine 1.5-4.0 Normal 2.9 GABA Very low Low 35-60 11.6 Norepinephrine 8-12 3.1 Epinephrine Optimal Range Base- line F, 25

Presentation: Tired, trouble sleeping, anxious- Worn out and frazzled!!! Discussion: Chronic stress may lead to extremely low levels of the stress hormones and neurotransmitters

Addressing the Effects of Stress

• Diet/nutritional considerations
• Exercise
• Targeted Amino Acid Therapy™

– To rebuild the body’s ability to manage stress via specific nutrients

Dietary/Nutritional Considerations

• The body makes hormones and

neurotransmitters from the foods you eat

• Poor dietary habits may not provide

sufficient amounts of the building blocks for neurotransmitters, called amino acids.

• A balanced diet, with high-quality

protein, provides the amino acids the body needs

Exercise Effects

• Exercise is a healthy way

to cope with the effects of stress

• Exercise has positive

effects on the stress hormones and neurotransmitters

Targeted Amino Acid Therapy™

• Specific ingredients that help

support the body’s ability to make hormones & neurotransmitters

• Specific ingredients that help

the body manage stress properly

• Naturally-derived, clinically

dosed

Summary

• Stress is a complex biological process that

is influenced by many neurotransmitters and hormones.

• A disruption in one or more of these

parameters can lead to signs of stress.

• Monitoring the balance of hormones and

neurotransmitters may be useful in managing the outward signs of stress.

Summary

• Laboratory tests can be used to assess

hormonal and neurotransmitter balances.

• A number of options exist to help

individuals cope with the effects of stress, including: diet, exercise, and Targeted Amino Acid Therapy™.

• Ask your doctor if NeuroScience’s products

and services are right for you.

www.neurorelief.com

Summary

• Providing building blocks (amino

acids) and supporting the biochemical pathways (vitamins) used to make neurotransmitters is a natural approach to help the body cope with the effects of everyday stress.