Adaptive Physiology

Imagine you were walking in the jungle and suddenly came across a lion.  What would happen to your body?

Your body would kick in to fight or flight mode. Your heart rate would increase to pump more blood into your body so you could fight or run away, your blood pressure increases to get more blood to your muscles, your breathing would increase to get more oxygen into your body, your muscles would tense and you would be more alert and your digestion would slow down. Fight or flight is for emergencies and your digestive system is not needed at that time. The blood to the digestive system is then shunted to other areas of your body to help you fight or get away. 

How long do you think it would take to find out the outcome of your challenge with the lion?

The flight/fight syndrome is supposed to be used for short term. It’s for your protection from predators and your body's attempt to move away from pain or threat. Let's rewind to the caveman days and the encounter with a lion.  Imagine that our friend survived their encounter and found his way back home. When he went to bed and woke up again, his body would be back to normal. He’d go about his day walking around, gathering food again.

In our present day, stress is no longer only used as a short term response. Now, our stress becomes the car, our computers, traffic, kids, work, multitasking, etc. and stress is present all the time. So, a body protection system that is supposed to be used for short term is now being used for long term.  This is leading to lots of health issues seen today.  

Looking back at what happens to our body during the fight and flight response, let’s see how it relates to present day signs and symptoms from our body.

• Heart rate increases: What is one of the leading causes of death?  Heart disease 
• Blood pressure increases: How many people do you know that have blood pressure challenges?
• Breathing increase: Rate of people suffering from asthma, allergies and other lung and breathing issues are increasing
• Muscles tense: Most people have some sort of muscle tension in their body even if they aren’t aware of it
• Digestion slows down:  When watching T.V., how often do you see commercials advertising digestive aids?

When a body system, in this case the fight/flight response is designed for short term and is being used long term, this over taxes our body and challenges in our health can occur.  

Other common signs of stress in the body can include:

• Not eating or eating too much
• Feeling like you have no control
• Needing to have too much control
• Forgetfulness
• Headaches
• Lack of energy
• Lack of focus
• Trouble getting things done
• Poor self-esteem
• Short temper
• Trouble sleeping
• Upset stomach
• Back pain
• General aches and pains
• These symptoms may also be signs of depression or anxiety, which can be caused by long-term stress.

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