General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) is the process the body undergoes when responding to stress. Be it physiological or psychological. The process consists of three steps: alarm, resistance and exhaustion.
SAG was first described by endocrinologist Hans Selye. He believed that, over time, the stress response causes aging and illness. This occurs when we are chronically exposed to stress.
Organisms like to maintain homeostasis, or a stable, balanced state. When an organism is exposed to stress, the body uses the “fight or flight” response to compensate.
General adaptation syndrome is the process the body undergoes to try to return to homeostasis. Through the use of hormones, the body tries to return to this state as quickly as possible, but the system has limits. .
Alarm
Have you ever been in a situation where you felt stressed and your heart started beating rapidly? Maybe you started sweating or felt like you wanted to run away? These are typical symptoms of the first stage of the general adaptation syndrome. This is called the alarm reaction phase.
In the alarm stage, our typical reactions are stimulated by two bodily hormones: epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) and norepinephrine (also known as noradrenaline).
Epinephrine mobilizes the release of glucose and fatty acids from fat cells. The body is able to use this hormone to respond to stress. Epinephrine and norepinephrine also have powerful effects on the heart. Both heart rate and stroke volume are increased. Thus, the heart rate of the body is increased.
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They also help to divert blood from other parts of the body to the heart, brain and muscles as the body prepares to attack or flee.
At the same time, the body also releases glucocorticoids, particularly cortisol. The goal is to help meet the body's energy needs in times of stress. The glucocortical reaction is typically slower. Its duration is longer than the similar effects of epinephrine.
Resistance
When the initial threat subsides, the body tries to return to its homeostatic state and repair itself. This is a part of the resistance phase of the general adaptation syndrome. It is characterized by a lack of concentration and irritability.
Blood pressure is reduced and the hormones secreted by the body try to return to their previous levels. However, due to the initial stress experienced, the body remains in a heightened state of readiness for some time. Assuming the stress is overcome, the body will return to its previous state.
However, if there is chronic stress, the body will try to compensate and continue in the resistance stage. If the body is under stress for a long time and remains in the endurance stage, it can lead to the exhaustion stage.
Exhaustion
The exhaustion stage results from chronic exposure to stress. At this stage, the stress is such that the body is unable to return to its original state of homeostasis. In other words, the body has exhausted its internal resources and is unable to adequately combat stress.
Signs of the exhaustion stage can include anxiety and depression. The exhaustion stage is also characterized by a compromised immune system, which makes it harder for the body to fight infections. Chronic stress can lead to various illnesses and related problems such as type 2 diabetes.
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