We ALL have STRESS. Some more than others.
How we DEAL with Stress is the ultimate impact it can have on us.
As functional chiropractors we look at how Stress Impacts the Brain. What is the neurological impact that our stressful lives have on our life and future….and our future generations?
8 Ways Stress Affects your BRAIN.
- Stress depletes you of precious brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, causing depression and anxiety. Serotonin is the happy brain chemical that also plays a role in mood, learning, appetite, and sleep. Low serotonin is directly related to depression and anxiety, and low dopamine causes a lack of zest, enthusiasm, and motivation for life and is the primary factor in addictions.
- Stress halts the production of new brain cells, which explains why when we are overly stressed, we don’t always think clearly or act in our best interests. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein that’s essential for keeping brain cells healthy, but high-stress cortisol production or stress hormone imbalances reduce the production of BDNF, resulting in a halted production of new brain cells. (Not to mention additional weight gain, which then impacts more than just our brains.) The good news is that putting a stop to this imbalance means that, as you age, you can still make new, healthy brain cells! Why? BECAUSE OUR BODIES AND BRAIN ARE MADE TO HEAL & REGENERATE! (Thank goodness!)
- Chronic stress creates brain fog and emotional instability. Memory problems and a lack of concentration and focus are the hallmarks of chronic stress. Research clearly shows that chronic high stress causes electrical signals in the brain to be delayed or compromised, leaving us wondering why we walked into the bathroom only seconds after we knew we had to go pee.
- Stress increases the radical damage in our brain. With high stress, free radicals (killer molecules) are made in surplus, which can cause normal healthy brain cells to rupture and die. If this is coupled with lack of sleep, poor diet, and excessive nutrient deficiencies, the free radical formation increases even more. NOT GOOD!
- Stress makes your brain small. Yes, you heard that right. Stress literally SHRINKS that thing between your ears! Research continues to show that high stress halts the making of new brain cells and neuronal pathways in the brain. Stress literally shrinks areas like the hippo- campus (an area important for memory and emotions) and the prefrontal cortex (an area important for decision making and impulsive behavior).
- Stress increases the chances you will have Alzheimer’s and dementia. One in three US seniors will die with Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia. So, when would be a good time to start making sure our brains & bodies are functioning as God intended? Early development is key but especially as we age and the stresses of the world, we take on should be taken in stride…Rome was not built in a day, your work and dirty dishes will still be there tomorrow, because today we should be careful to protect our brains.
- Stress can lead to a toxic waste site in the brain. Every cell in our body is sensitive to toxins, but the brain is on the top of the list when it comes to sensitivity. We have a brain filter that normally keeps us safe, but when this barrier is compromised with stress, causing it to be “leaky,” it lets in pathogens, poisons like heavy metals, chemicals, and other toxins we are exposed to. Scary! How toxic do you think you are?
- Stress causes the brain to become inflamed. There are special cells in the brain called microglia that protect the brain from infection and toxins. Essentially, they are part of the brain’s immune system. Unfortunately, with high, relentless stress, these microglia overreact, causing inflammation. This inflammation seems to play a role in all areas of disease in the body and can lead to depression.
Chiropractic helps individuals better deal and adapt to the world’s stressors.
For our kiddos it’s like them riding around on big wheel bikes without training wheels…. it can be extremely hard for them to stop. When we can down-regulate the brain, we are able to see life in a new light and better deal with the stressors that come our way.
Maybe it’s time for you to see how stress has impacted your system. We can assess this amazing system with the same technology that was developed for NASA – and we have it in our clinic! For YOU! Because that’s just how important you are!
In addition to Chiropractic, our Nutrition plays a massive role in how we can speed up the regeneration process and truly “feed” our bodies. Ask us what we would recommend for where you are in your journey!
