How Do Adrenaline Rushes Affect Us?
Adrenaline rushes occur when the adrenal glands release an excessive amount of adrenaline into the body. These shocks often occur in response to a peak in stress or anxiety.
Adrenaline is a hormonal substance from the group of sympathomimetic amines (which stimulates the sympathetic nervous system). More specifically, adrenaline is a catecholamine. It is synthesized in the adrenal glands and when released into the blood it affects virtually the entire body.
Its synthesis and release are not controlled by the will. The body does this autonomously. However, there are specific situations and stimuli that cause abrupt release. This is what we call the adrenaline rush. When an adrenaline rush occurs, its effects appear with great intensity. These effects are often unpleasant for people who suffer from them and resemble those of a panic attack.
What are the effects of adrenaline on our body?
Adrenaline is present in the brain as part of the metabolic chain of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are substances that are stored in neurons and removed from one to another to transmit stimuli. Adrenaline itself can act as a neurotransmitter and we have to admit the mechanisms by which adrenaline is released in the nervous system are not yet well understood. We also do not know if they are related to peripheral release.
Normally, the effects of adrenaline on our body are as follows :
- It increases the rate of contraction of the heart and causes tachycardia.
- It has a double effect on the blood vessels. First it makes the skin pale, then it turns red. This happens by the dilation of the blood vessels.
- At first, she slows down breathing. Then, its effect is stimulating, increasing the respiratory rate.
- She dilates the pupils.
- It causes a sudden alteration in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. It increases the blood sugar circulating in the blood, thus increasing the available energy.
- It relaxes the muscle fibers in the walls of the digestive tract, which decreases digestive activity.
A sudden adrenaline rush is accompanied by anxiety, irritability, tension and restlessness. This effect on the central nervous system appears to be secondary to peripheral cardiovascular effects. This is because adrenaline in the body does not cross the blood brain barrier. To put it more clearly, it does not reach the brain.
Adrenaline rushes aren’t random
An adrenaline rush occurs in stressful and fearful situations that occur suddenly or, as in the case of stress, are continuous in nature. The basic phenomenon is the excitement of the sympathetic system, with an excessive release of adrenaline, which puts the body in an emergency situation called “fight or flight”.
In addition to adrenaline, the adrenal gland also releases corticosteroids and other catecholamines, such as norepinephrine. All of this sets the body’s defense and reserve system in motion. That way, it prepares you for any eventuality.
This increases blood pressure, decreases digestive activity, and increases sweating and muscle tone. At first, all of this is useful for better control of movements, but if these phenomena exceed a certain limit, they can impair coordination.
These adrenaline rushes are associated with a feeling of threat. This threat can be both real and imagined. It could be fear, someone’s unexpected appearance, or just a question from a teacher in the classroom (not to mention stress).
Adrenaline rushes aren’t dangerous
The adrenaline rush is not a serious or abnormal situation, although it can be frightening for those who suffer from it. In the long run, if perpetuated, it exerts adverse effects, weakening the body and keeping it in a constant state of fatigue.
If you are prone to adrenaline rushes, the use of relaxation techniques or lifestyle changes can reduce the frequency and intensity of adrenaline rushes. The technical’re physiological deactivation as diaphragmatic breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, are often very effective.
Our thoughts this hormone is crucial for our body. In addition to promoting our performance and physiological activation, if it is secreted in excess …
